Most intriguing transfer portal options at guard

We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position and then dived into the possible running backs and recently covered the wide receiver position (if things break a certain way), tight ends, and offensive tackle, but now we need to discuss one of everyone’s favorite positions, guard.

I read the social media comments and I get it, Ohio State fans understand the importance of adding offensive line talent and as noted from the offensive tackle list, there is only one guy left on that list that would provide any kind of improvement, but perhaps there are more options on the interior side of the line.

It is pretty clear the Buckeyes are going to add talent to the offensive line from the portal, but the biggest questions are who and when?

In my opinion, there is a high likelihood that Ohio State will add two offensive linemen from the portal with one coming during this current opening and the other during spring, but we will see. The following are the five most intriguing guard options in the transfer portal.

Isaiah Foote from East Carolina

Where things stand

Isaiah Foote is an experienced All-AAC performer who was elite in 2022 and has entered the portal due to struggling to regain that form in 2023 largely because of a shoulder injury. Foote has two years of eligibility remaining and despite being benched this season, has the potential to make an impact at the Power Five level if he can get 100% healthy.

Pro Football Focus gave Foote a 63.5 grade with a 63.7 grade in pass blocking and 62.6 grade in run blocking. Standing at 6-foot-4-inches and 325 pounds, Foote is a physical road-grader type that the Ohio State offensive line needs.

Justin Mayers from UTEP

Where things stand

Justin Mayers has already committed to Colorado but would have been a nice candidate for Ohio State with ideal size at 6-foot-3-inches and 315 pounds. The All-C-USA performer has been playing at an elite level from his left guard spot and should make a smooth transition to the Power Five.

Mayers has been praised as a player with high intelligence and someone who has the mental makeup to play immediately. The Texas native is a former three-star recruit with just one season of eligibility remaining.

Vinny Sciury from Toledo

Where things stand

Vinny Sciury is the definition of consistency and has been a high-level All-MAC performer at left guard for three seasons and 33 starts for the Rockets. Sciury is good enough to start immediately and it’s a shame Ohio State didn’t approach him as he has committed to Texas Tech.

Standing at 6-foot-3-inches and 305 pounds, Sciury earned a pass-blocking grade of 89.4 by Pro Football Focus, which was in the top ten in the country for all FBS guards. His overall grade of 71 was top five in the MAC. A hometown kid from Ohio, Sciury was receiving offers from other Big 12 schools including Iowa State.

Cade Bennett from San Diego State

Where things stand

This is the second time Cade Bennett has hit the portal. He started his collegiate career at Oklahoma State before transferring to San Diego State and he has actually already committed to TCU. The Arizona native has two years of eligibility remaining.

Bennett stands at 6-foot-3-inches and 308 pounds and played at an elite level the last two seasons for the Aztecs and earned All-MWC honors after a disappointing two seasons with the Cowboys. He is a strong run blocker who moves well in space and has 23 games of starting experience under his belt.

Bennett earned a pass-blocking grade of 83.3 by Pro Football Focus, which was top in the Mountain West for guards. In addition to his offer from TCU, he also received offers from Arizona State and Mississippi State.

Tyler Stephens from James Madison

Where things stand

Another fantastic James Madison lineman in the transfer portal following his former head coach to Indiana. The Virginia native has four years of extensive experience at multiple spots across the offensive line. At 6-foot-5-inches and 306 pounds, Stephens has the ideal size to go with great versatility as evidenced by his 13 starts mixed across both tackle spots and left guard. He has one year of eligibility left.

Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire