Ohio State adds former Ole Miss defensive tackle Tywone Malone from transfer portal

colin gay, the columbus dispatch

Wed, May 10, 2023, 2:43 PM·3 min read

Looking for more depth on the defensive line, Ohio State returned to an Southeastern Conference program it already added a transfer from.

After adding Mississippi cornerback Davison Igbinosun in January, the Buckeyes added former Rebels defensive tackle Tywone Malone, the program's seventh transfer portal addition ahead of the 2023 season.

Malone, a native of Oradell, New Jersey, was the No. 11 defensive lineman and No. 63 player in the 2021 class per 247Sports' composite rankings, holding offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Miami and Ohio State, among others.

In two seasons at Ole Miss, Malone had limited playing time, recording 13 tackles, two sacks and two pass deflections in 14 games.

Malone also appeared in seven games for the Ole Miss baseball team, hitting two home runs with four RBI in nine at bats.

In two seasons at Mississippi, Tywone Malone had 13 tackles, two sacks and two pass deflections in 14 games.

As a senior at Bergen Catholic in 2019, Malone posted 54 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks per 247Sports.

Ohio State added former Syracuse safety Ja'Had Carter to its defense from the transfer portal in January before securing commitments from former Oregon State quarterback Tristan Gebbia, former University of Louisiana Monroe offensive tackle Victor Cutler, Igbinosun, San Diego State offensive tackle Josh Simmons and former Notre Dame wide receiver-turned-cornerback Lorenzo Styles via the portal.

Where does Tywone Malone fit into Ohio State's defensive line?

The top three spots in the middle of Ohio State's defensive line seem to be set.

Ty Hamilton, who took over the starting defensive tackle spot as Mike Hall Jr. navigated a shoulder injury, is set to start opposite Hall in 2023, while Tyleik Williams rotates in.

After Hamilton, Hall and Williams, Ohio State's level of experience decreases dramatically.

In four seasons at Ohio State, Jaden McKenzie has 121 snaps, including 60 across five games in 2022 per Pro Football Focus, while Hero Kanu played 16 snaps in three games for the Buckeyes as a true freshman.

The Buckeyes are also set to add Will Smith Jr. and Kayden McDonald from the 2023 class. Smith enrolled into the program in January.

Malone played 97 snaps for Ole Miss last season, making him the fourth-most experienced defensive tackle for a roster that lost Taron Vincent after the 2022 season.