The Scarlet and Gray

[toysoldier00]

Ryan Day Turns to Veteran Transfer Ethan Onianwa to Replace Injured Tegra Tshabola at Right Guard
By Zachary Anderson on September 3, 2025


Ethan Onianwa, who was the expected starter at Left Tackle after transferring from Rice, played just one snap against Texas



Ohio State knew it would need to adjust after losing starting right guard Tegra Tshabola to a season-ending pectoral injury against Texas. What the Buckeyes didn’t know, at least not publicly, was which direction Ryan Day would go to fill one of the most important spots on the offensive line. On Tuesday, during his weekly press conference, Day made it official: Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa will start at right guard on Saturday when No. 1 Ohio State hosts Grambling State. It’s a significant decision, and a second chance for a veteran player who arrived in Columbus with expectations of winning a starting tackle job, only to spend Week 1 on the sideline.

“We think Ethan gives us the best chance right now.”

Day said the decision came after a long look at both junior Joshua Padilla, who replaced Tshabola mid-game against Texas, and Onianwa, who has been repping at multiple positions since the spring.

“Josh did a good job stepping in,” Day said. “He handled the moment, and we feel confident in him. But with Tegra out, we’re looking at the whole picture, and right now we think Ethan gives us the best chance. He’s played a lot of football, he’s strong, he’s experienced. This is why we brought him here.”

Onianwa, a fifth-year senior, started 29 career games at Rice, most of them at tackle. When he entered the portal, Ohio State saw a mature, physically developed lineman with Big Ten traits, someone who could step in immediately if needed. The expectation was that he’d compete for the open left tackle job, and throughout spring and early fall camp, he did just that.

But Austin Siereveld’s emergence changed everything. The redshirt junior surged through camp and earned the starting left tackle nod, leaving Onianwa without a clear path to a starting role, until Tshabola went down. Now, the veteran steps into a new position, one he has not played extensively but one the staff feels his skill set fits.

“Ethan’s got power in the run game,” Day said. “He’s played a lot of snaps. The transition inside is something we’ve been working with him on, and we like where he’s at. He’s earned this opportunity.”

Padilla Still in the Mix, But Onianwa Gets First Crack
Day emphasized that Padilla remains a key part of the rotation and will likely play meaningful snaps throughout the season.

“Josh is going to be ready,” Day said. “He’s improved a ton. He handled himself well against a really good Texas front. This isn’t about something he didn’t do. It’s about Ethan’s experience and what we think we’ll need moving forward.”

That “moving forward” part is important. Tshabola started 15 games for the Buckeyes last season during their national title run. Losing a player that dependable, and that steady in pass protection, is no small blow. Ohio State needs someone who can stabilize the interior as first-year starter Julian Sayin continues to develop. Onianwa’s experience and physical maturity give him a chance to do that.

A New Chapter for a Veteran Lineman
For Onianwa, Saturday represents something else entirely: a chance to rewrite his Ohio State story.

He came to Columbus to compete for a marquee position. He didn’t win it. Now he gets a different opportunity, and perhaps a more important one.
With Big Ten play looming and a top-three ranking to protect, Ohio State can’t afford uncertainty along the offensive line. Day made it clear they believe Onianwa can provide that stability.

“This is why depth matters,” Day said. “It’s why we work so many guys at different spots. When someone goes down, the next guy has to be ready. Ethan’s ready.”

The Buckeyes should have more margin for evaluation against Grambling State, but the real test will come later in September when conference play begins. For now, Ohio State turns to a seasoned lineman with something to prove, and a head coach confident that he can deliver.

[Soapy]

yall dont play anybody for a good while so great time to break new guys in

[Count]

Shouldn’t have too much to worry about until the Penn State game so get the guys rested and healthy

[ShireNiner]

Like others said, the schedule is favorable to try new players out. Any thoughts to future opponents being scheduled?

[toysoldier00]

Four Freshmen to Watch as Ohio State Enters Week Two
By Zachary Anderson on September 3, 2025


True Freshman Bo Jackson played one snap against Texas, but he caught a 25-yard ball to convert on third down.



Ohio State's season opener against No. 1 Texas didn’t leave much room for experimentation. In a top-three matchup loaded with playoff implications, Ryan Day and his staff leaned heavily on veterans, trusted second-year players, and only the rare freshman ready for the bright lights. But Week two brings a different opponent, and a different opportunity. As the Buckeyes prepare to host Grambling State, this weekend should offer the first true look at the 2025 freshman class and which newcomers can realistically carve out roles this fall.

Four first-year Buckeyes in particular are poised to contribute: cornerback Devin Sanchez, safety Faheem Delane, linebacker Riley Pettijohn, and running back Bo Jackson. Each brings something unique, and each has already made enough noise behind the scenes to show they’re more than just long-term projects. Here’s a closer look at the quartet most likely to help Ohio State in 2025.

The Five-Star Headliner Ready for Real Snaps
When Ohio State lands top ten players in America, expectations follow immediately. Devin Sanchez lived up to the billing throughout fall camp, pushing veterans and showing the fluidity, length, and recovery speed that made him one of the jewels of the 2025 class. Sanchez didn’t play much against Texas (mostly a special teams role), but that had less to do with readiness and more to do with the matchup. The Buckeyes needed experience on the field, and the slot battle between Lorenzo Styles Jr., Aaron Scott Jr. and Sanchez remained too close to call entering Week One. This weekend should finally give fans a longer look at Sanchez’s skill set. The staff has been deliberate with his development, but the truth is obvious: he’s one of the most gifted corners on the roster. Expect meaningful snaps, both outside and in the slot, as Ohio State continues to evaluate its crowded secondary.

Physically Ready, Mentally Ahead of Schedule
If Sanchez is the headliner, Faheem Delane may end up with the bigger role. The 6-foot-1 safety arrived on campus physically ready for Big Ten football and quickly forced his way into a three-man rotation with Malik Hartford and Jayden McClain. Delane didn’t just impress, he validated every bit of the hype that accompanied him out of Maryland. His ability to trigger downhill, his comfort covering larger receivers, and his versatility in three-safety looks make him one of the most important freshmen on the roster. Week two should expand his role further. Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has repeatedly affirmed he’s not afraid to play young defensive backs when they’re ready, and Delane checks every box. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the top snap-getters among true freshmen this weekend.

The Next Linebacker in the Pipeline
Ohio State’s linebacker situation is clear at the top with Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, but the depth behind them is still forming, and that’s where Riley Pettijohn (Pictured Right) comes in. Pettijohn is long, athletic, and exactly the kind of modern linebacker Ohio State covets. He covers ground, closes space quickly, and was one of the most consistent freshman performers during August practices. With the Buckeyes expected to rotate more freely against Grambling State, Pettijohn should see his first extended action. His long-term ceiling might be even higher, but in the short term, Ohio State needs dependable depth. Pettijohn is positioned to provide it.

Already on the Field and Already Making Plays
The only freshman to make an impact against Texas, Bo Jackson, wasted no time showing he belonged. His 25-yard catch on a critical third down highlighted both his natural hands and his ability to create after the reception, traits that should earn him more touches behind CJ Donaldson and James Peoples. Jackson may not get heavy carries yet, but his versatility makes him valuable today. He’s comfortable in pass protection, can catch out of the backfield, and brings a burst Ohio State wants to weaponize situationally. Expect Jackson to see plenty of work on Saturday, and potentially carve out a larger niche as the season progresses.

[toysoldier00]

yall dont play anybody for a good while so great time to break new guys in

That's true. Next four weeks should be a nice ramp up.

Shouldn’t have too much to worry about until the Penn State game so get the guys rested and healthy

I play Illinois before Penn State, but there's definitely an on ramp before the competition ticks up.

Like others said, the schedule is favorable to try new players out. Any thoughts to future opponents being scheduled?

I'm slowing working towards upgrading the first page, but future schedule will be on it. Ohio State plays at Texas next season, then has a home and home with Alabama then Georgia, so the marquee match up already exists for the foreseeable future. There are a couple of FCS teams that I'll replace, but not in 2026, and I figured that's an offseason thing anyways.

[YaBoyRobRoy]

the authenticity of this dynasty is awesome brotha, I feel like i'm following the real life Buckeyes. Time to put up 70

[redsox907]

time to stack some wins with the young guys getting some PT

[toysoldier00]

the authenticity of this dynasty is awesome brotha, I feel like i'm following the real life Buckeyes. Time to put up 70

I appreciate that. I try to think about what I would enjoy going back and reading through in a few years. I also just realized that the deeper you think about your players/team the more enjoyable it is, at least for me.

time to stack some wins with the young guys getting some PT

yessir.

[djp73]

Lose.