Ethan Onianwa Burns the Black Stripe and Bursts Onto the Scene in Columbus After Just 13 Practices
From Portal Prospect to Buckeye Brotherhood – the Ethan Onianwa transformation is happening fast, loud, and with ferocity.
Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a new monster in the trenches in Columbus—and his name is Ethan Onianwa.
After just 13 practices, the towering 6-foot-6 offensive tackle shed his black stripe, a sacred rite of passage at Ohio State that symbolizes full initiation into the Buckeye Brotherhood. It’s not just a sticker being peeled off a helmet—it’s a statement. A declaration. A battle cry. And Onianwa didn’t waste any time delivering his.
“He’s in,” the staff effectively declared on April 8. Not even three full weeks into spring ball, and the former Rice Owl has already carved out his space among college football’s elite.
Onianwa now joins tight end Max Klare and freshman wide receiver Quincy Porter as the newest fully-inducted members of this year’s class to earn their stripes—literally. He’s also just the second transfer to cross that symbolic threshold this spring. Translation? The Buckeyes aren’t just impressed. They’re all-in.
The Best in the Portal? ESPN Thinks So
Before he even laced up his cleats in Columbus, ESPN’s Tom Luginbill didn’t mince words. He called Onianwa “the best offensive lineman in the transfer portal, and it’s not even close.” That’s not a casual endorsement. That’s a thunderous stamp of approval.
Yet, with NFL scouts already eyeing him, Onianwa chose not to bolt for the draft. Instead, he made a calculated, veteran decision—to delay the riches, sharpen the sword, and throw himself into the fire of Ohio State’s championship-caliber program.
A Leaner, Meaner Blocker
In just a few short months, the man has dropped 30 pounds, trimming down to 335 while maintaining every ounce of his raw power. The result? A more agile, explosive athlete who’s now moving like a tight end trapped in a left tackle’s frame.
“I wanted to continue developing, and I needed a coach who could truly mentor me,” Onianwa said. “Coach Justin Frye [Note: it’s likely referring to Frye, not Bowen, unless a recent change occurred], he’s that guy. I’m already seeing major improvements in my game.”
Forget just holding his ground—Onianwa is taking ground. Reports out of practice suggest he’s been bulldozing defenders, anchoring the line, and displaying a freakish combination of footwork and upper-body power that has scouts salivating.
The Grinder’s Mentality
And it’s not just his size that impresses—it’s his soul. His work ethic is the kind that ignites locker rooms. The kind that turns a transfer into a tone-setter.
“I live by this principle: Be the hardest-working player on the field,” Onianwa said. “Whether it’s film study, extra reps after practice, or the weight room—I’m there.”
This is the kind of quote that makes coaches smile and defensive linemen sweat. This is what a national title contender needs—relentless, no-nonsense, business-first savages in the trenches.
From Black Stripe to Big Time
The black stripe is gone. The fire is lit. And if the first few weeks are any indication, Ethan Onianwa isn’t just here to play football—he’s here to leave a crater. A legacy. Possibly even punch a first-round ticket with his name on it come next spring.
And let’s be honest… if you’re a Big Ten defensive end reading this, you’re probably already circling the Ohio State game on your calendar—and dreading it.
Welcome to the Brotherhood, Ethan. The next chapter of your story just got a lot more interesting.
