Following the Spring Game on April 12, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day highlighted the need to address roster gaps through the transfer portal. The Buckeyes appear to have found one of those boys. “Sam Houston State offensive lineman Orion Irving picked up an offer from Ohio State on Friday.” Pete Nakos of On3 wrote in a report published April 19. “A source tells On3 that the 2023 Conference USA All-Freshman Team selection is scheduled for a visit to Columbus next week, along with Syracuse. Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Cal and UCF, among others, have also expressed interest.”

He’ll visit Columbus on April 25 as the Buckeyes look to add depth to their offensive line. After earning his stripes as a redshirt freshman by starting the final five games at right tackle, he hit a snag early in the 2024 season with an injury. After an almost season-long recovery, he returned, locking down the left tackle spot for the last four games of the year. Besides Irwing, the Buckeyes are rolling out the red carpet for Georgia Southern defensive lineman Troy Pikes next weekend. Fresh off a Friday visit to Georgia, Pikes has already piled up interest from heavy hitters like UCF, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss. Pursuing both a defensive and an offensive lineman speaks volumes about the seriousness of Day and his management towards defending their championship title. The 6-foot-5 and 290-pound freshman did not find as much playing time last season, recording only 5 solo tackles.