As the Ohio State Buckeyes focus on their quest for a National Championship, they remain vigilant in leveraging the transfer portal to strengthen their roster for the future. A potential target has recently emerged in former Alabama offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, a highly regarded five-star recruit from the 2022 cycle.
BREAKING: Alabama starting OT Elijah Pritchett plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’6 330 OT started in all 13 games for the Crimson Tide this season
2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/MdEs8N0I9L
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 4, 2025
Pritchett’s Ups and Downs in 2024
In his first full season as a starter for Alabama, Pritchett faced some challenges. Over 619 snaps in 2024, the 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman allowed six sacks—a statistic that highlights both his growing pains and potential. Despite these struggles, Pritchett’s physical attributes and pedigree remain appealing. Coming out of high school, he had offers from elite programs such as Ole Miss, Florida State, and USC before ultimately committing to Alabama.
Ohio State’s Offensive Line Needs
Ohio State’s offensive line depth was tested significantly in 2024 after star left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7 against Oregon. This injury forced head coach Ryan Day to reshuffle the line, moving Donovan Jackson from guard to tackle to patch up the gaps.
Recognizing the importance of a strong offensive line, the Buckeyes have already been active in addressing this need through the transfer portal. Ohio State secured commitments from two of the top tackles available: Phillip Daniels from Minnesota and Ethan Onianwa from Rice. Daniels, in particular, impressed as a freshman, playing 300 snaps and allowing just one sack.
Would Pritchett Fit in Columbus?
Adding Pritchett would bolster Ohio State’s offensive line depth further, but his fit within the program raises questions. With Daniels and Onianwa already in the fold and projected to compete for starting roles, pursuing another tackle might disrupt the team’s current plans for developing its lineup.
However, Pritchett’s talent and experience in the SEC could make him a valuable asset for a team that has aspirations of dominating in the trenches. If Ohio State’s coaching staff sees untapped potential in Pritchett that aligns with their system, they may consider adding him to the roster.
Final Thoughts
While Elijah Pritchett’s struggles as a first-year starter might give some programs pause, his raw ability and stature make him a compelling option. For Ohio State, the decision to pursue him likely hinges on how confident they are in their current transfer additions and whether they believe Pritchett can elevate their offensive line to the next level.
If Ryan Day opts not to pursue Pritchett, it would signal confidence in Daniels, Onianwa, and the existing roster to anchor the Buckeyes’ offensive front in 2025. However, keeping tabs on a player of Pritchett’s caliber might still be worthwhile, as depth and competition often determine success at the highest level of college football.
