Could another Alabama transfer help Ohio State football even more than Caleb Downs?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A second young Alabama standout entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal — this time at a position of even greater need for Ohio State football.

Kadyn Proctor is exploring transfer options after starting every game at left tackle as a true freshman for the SEC champions. He joined safety Caleb Downs and other Crimson Tide players reconsidering their futures during the transition from a retiring Nick Saban to incoming coach Kalen DeBoer.

Ohio State has already added one former Alabama starting offensive lineman in center Seth McLaughlin.

Unlike Downs, Ohio State was not a finalist for Proctor before he committed to Alabama as a five-star, top-10 prospect. The Iowa native was the highest-ranked offensive tackle in the 247Sports composite for the 2023 class.

However, OSU will almost certainly make a second attempt to lure Proctor. He posted a solid 66.3 overall grade per Pro Football Focus. He did allow 12 sacks and 36 pressures, per PFF, but was a true freshman who might not have been starting in a best-case scenario.

Ohio State has been looking for an infusion of offensive talent for the past couple of offseasons. It made improvements over the course of the past season with veteran Josh Fryar at right tackle and San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons at left tackle.

However, much of that progress was undercut by a lackluster performance in a 14-3 Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri.

Ohio State also returns starting left guard Donovan Jackson and center Carson Hinzman. The entire group likely will be reassessed during spring practice and into the preseason, regardless of any additions.

The number of starters turning down the NFL Draft to return this fall has already solidified the defense. Adding a safety like Downs to the back end would make it even stronger, but does not seem as crucial. Adding a potential starting left tackle, though, could help stabilize the position group that remains the biggest question for the coming season.