COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ethan Onianwa is spending his first spring with Ohio State football learning to adjust his mindset after moving to a more intense environment.

He played four years at Rice, starting two years at right tackle before switching to left tackle last year. He entered the transfer portal and chose Columbus, aiming to become the Buckeyes’ next success story on the offensive line.

Now he’s expected to start at left tackle in 2025, though the journey to that point has taken longer than many expected. Still, it’s exactly what he signed up for.

“You can tell from the strength program that guys are driven,” Onianwa said. “Everyone wants to improve. Be elite. That’s been the biggest difference, but I’ve embraced it.”

His first step was changing his body, dropping 30 pounds to now weigh 335. Then came the challenge of proving his skills through spring camp and earning the title of ‘Official Buckeye.’

He finally reached that milestone after Ohio State’s 13th practice when he had his black stripe removed.

Onianwa became the second transfer to shed his black stripe, joining tight end Max Klare, who was the first newcomer overall. Freshman wideout Quincy Porter is the only other player to do so.

That marks the end of Phase 1 of Onianwa’s adjustment at OSU. He’s the lone non-freshman working at just one line position, preparing to be the starting left tackle.

He’s now playing at a weight that both he and coaches believe is ideal. And with that, he’s taken the first major step into Buckeye life.

As Ohio State wraps up the spring this Saturday, the biggest test begins: Preparing him for a likely top-five showdown against Texas on Aug. 31.

“I try to live by being the hardest worker out there,” Onianwa said. “I want to stay after practice, get in extra reps so I gain that edge. That’s who I am.”