Who Should the Cincinnati Bengals Target in Free Agency? One Name Stands Out

Let’s be real—being a Cincinnati Bengals fan in 2024 was a rollercoaster. Joe Burrow was slinging it like the superstar we know he is, Ja’Marr Chase was making defenders look silly, and yet, here we are, staring at another offseason with more questions than answers. The defense? A mess. The offensive line? Still a work in progress. With free agency looming and about $47.5 million in cap space to play with (thanks, Over the Cap), the Bengals have a chance to fix some of these headaches. So, who’s the best free agent fit for our team? After digging into the options, one name keeps popping up: Osa Odighizuwa, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive tackle who’s about to hit the market.

The Bengals’ Defense Needs a Hero

If you watched even five minutes of a Bengals game this year, you know the defense was painful to witness. Twenty-fifth in scoring defense, thirtieth in red-zone stops—it felt like opposing offenses were waltzing into the end zone while we sat there helpless. Trey Hendrickson was a one-man wrecking crew with 17.5 sacks, but the rest of the line? Not so much. We lost DJ Reader a couple of years back, and while B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins tried to hold it down, the interior pressure just wasn’t there. Only 36 sacks all season—25th in the league—and those early games where we gave up 140 rushing yards like it was nothing? Brutal.

Enter Osa Odighizuwa. This guy’s not just a name to throw around—he led all interior defenders in quarterback hits in 2024. That’s the kind of juice we’ve been missing since Reader left. Analysts like Marcus Mosher from The 33rd Team have already linked him to Cincinnati, and it’s easy to see why. He’s quick, he’s disruptive, and at 26, he’s still got plenty of prime years ahead. Pair him with Hendrickson, and suddenly our defensive front looks like it can actually scare somebody.

Why Osa Fits Like a Glove

I’ll admit, when I first heard Odighizuwa’s name, I wasn’t sure he’d be the answer. He’s not the massive, run-stuffing brick wall Reader was, and our run defense still gives me nightmares. But here’s the thing: our pass rush from the interior was practically nonexistent this year, and that’s a bigger problem in today’s NFL. Odighizuwa’s burst off the line could give Burrow a fighting chance by getting the ball back faster. Imagine him collapsing pockets while Hendrickson comes flying off the edge—quarterbacks would be sweating.

Plus, the money works. He’s projected at around $21 million a year over three years—$63 million total—which sounds steep until you realize we’ve got the cap space to make it happen. B.J. Hill’s a free agent, Rankins could be cut to save cash, and we’d still have room to maneuver. It’s not about rebuilding the whole defense; it’s about adding a spark. Odighizuwa could be that guy, letting younger players like Myles Murphy grow without being thrown into the deep end.

What About Tee Higgins and the Offense?

Okay, I know what some of you are thinking: “What about Tee Higgins?” Losing him would sting—he’s a free agent too, and keeping him with Chase would keep our offense elite. I get it. Burrow deserves all the weapons he can get, and that offensive line still needs help (looking at you, right tackle). There’s also chatter about guys like Chris Godwin if we want another receiver, or even a corner like Rasul Douglas to shore up the secondary, especially with Dax Hill coming off injury.

But here’s my take: the offense is already good enough to win. Chase is a monster, Burrow’s a magician, and we can patch the line with cheaper vets or draft picks. The defense, though? It’s been the Achilles’ heel holding us back. X posts from Bengals fans and takes from Bengals Wire keep pointing to the same thing—our D needs a boost, and Odighizuwa’s the kind of impact player who could turn things around.

A Dream Worth Chasing

Picture this: it’s September 2025, and the Bengals are hosting the Steelers. Burrow’s got the offense humming, but for once, the defense isn’t letting us down. Odighizuwa barrels through the line, smacks Justin Fields for a sack, and the Paycor Stadium crowd loses its mind. Hendrickson’s grinning on the sideline, knowing he’s not carrying the load alone anymore. That’s the vision I’m holding onto.

So, what do you think, Bengals faithful? Should we go all-in on a defensive game-changer like Odighizuwa, or spread the cash around elsewhere? Free agency’s coming fast, and with $47.5 million burning a hole in our pocket, this offseason could be the one that finally gets us over the hump. Let’s hear your take—I’m all ears.

Jim Tressel Arrives as New Ohio Lieutenant Governor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine named ex-Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as the next of Office of Ohio's Lieutenant Governor on February 10, 2025. This address to an empty office created by Jon Husted, who took a seat in the U.S. Senate after promotion of J.D. Vance to the Vice Presidency of the United States.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeWine announces Jim Tressel for next lieutenant governor of Ohio

From Gridiron to Governance

Nicknamed "The Senator" during his time at Ohio State, Jim Tressel has had perhaps one of the more interesting careers both on and off the field. Before he became appointed to that post, he was serving as the president of Youngstown State University; he retired from there in 2023 after nearly a decade. His educational and community involvement were mentioned by Governor DeWine as key reasons for his selection.

The highlight of Tressel's coaching career was the national championship of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002, together with seven Big Ten championships. His style of football, sometimes referred to as "Tresselball," had the emphasis on defense and playing smart, which appealed to many within Ohio as a disciplined approach and one in which the final score often showed it. Now, as an administrator in higher education at Youngstown State, he has shown his leadership in fostering partnerships for economic development and workforce training.

A New Chapter

The appointment of Tressel into this political position has created a buzz of conversation throughout the state. As stated by Governor DeWine upon the announcement, "Jim Tressel knows Ohio, shares my values, and has the ability to pull people together. His experience in leadership and education will be invaluable in this position."

But the appointment isn't without its critics. Some question whether Tressel's background in athletics and education adequately prepared him for the complex subtleties of state government. Critics point to controversies from his past, including the NCAA infractions by his players that forced him to resign from Ohio State in 2011, implying his track record isn't spotless on matters related to oversight and compliance.

Community and Political Reactions

Social media is mixed: Ohio State fans and alumni like the fact with excitement that one of their own is getting a state leadership role, while others question his preparedness for such an important political position. Messages posted to X include Tressel's strong roots to Ohio, his crisis leadership in times of extreme difficulty at YSU, and the potential he brings for a fresh understanding of state governance.

With a strong Republican majority seen in the Ohio House and Senate, confirmation is most expected for Tressel. His nomination will surely face heavy scrutiny from both the left and the right as it zeroes in on his vision regarding Ohio's educational and economic policies.

Outlook

Tressel, 72, said he'll hit the books to learn the ways of state government. "I don't know this world," Tressel said during the announcement, "but I believe in our governor and what he believes in. My first job is to go to school on that."

With Tressel's appointment, Ohio may be getting a mixture of old-school conservative values and a focus on education and workforce development-the areas in which he has been so heavily involved. How well he will do in this position largely depends on how well he can translate his leadership style from the football field and university campus to the political arena in Columbus.

Whether Tressel can repeat those successes in football and academia at this level, nobody knows, but his hiring promises an interesting chapter in Ohio's political tale now that everyone has eyes trained on this ex-coach-cum-statesman.

Ohio State OL Coach Justin Frye to Take Job with Arizona Cardinals, Leaving Buckeyes with Coaching Void

 Major news that reaches both college and the NFL alike as Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye is expected to take the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. Frye, in his third year with the Buckeyes, jumps to the NFL after helping the Buckeyes with a national championship this season. His exit indeed represents a significant transition for Ohio State as a replacement is tasked with taking such an important job in its staff, while this is a vital addition for a Cardinals club intent on strengthening depth on the field, especially around the offensive line.

Frye's Time at Ohio State and to the NFL

Justin Frye's time in Columbus has been one filled with ups and downs. Since his arrival in 2022, he brought instant excitement as an offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense. Frye took over duties from Greg Studrawa in the Buckeyes' coaching circle. He experienced his best this season, steering through a serious of major injuries to the line, including losses of starting left tackle Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy-winning center Seth McLaughlin. With these setbacks Frye still could field a cohesive unit that was sacked only four times during a playoff run where it out-gained opponents 392 yards combined on the ground. It was that resilience that allowed Ohio State to win the national championship and complete a year of ups and downs.

Most remarkably, he used more than 20 different combinations of offensive linemen throughout the season-a coaching feat, to say the least. Still, Frye's year wasn't without its criticism. Frye did catch some heat for his recruiting, which had been below the typical standard set by Ohio State. Since his arrival, he signed only two top-100 offensive linemen: in-state products Luke Montgomery and 2025 signee Carter Lowe. Depth was also a concern, particularly at tackle, but the on-field product quieted many of his critics.

Now, Frye is in line for his first NFL coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals, filling a position vacated by Klayton Adams when he was hired as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. It reunites Frye with former Ohio State standout Paris Johnson Jr., the Cardinals' starting left tackle and a 2023 first-round draft pick whom Frye coached during his final season with the Buckeyes. With Frye's experience coaching the offensive line at a high level at stops such as UCLA, Boston College, and Temple, and a brief stint as UCLA's offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly, he was too good to pass up for the Cardinals. He reportedly interviewed for a similar role with the Chicago Bears earlier this week, meaning the NFL had a high interest in his expertise.

Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are adding a coach who has shown the ability to develop talent and handle adversity. Frye's work in retooling Ohio State's offensive line, particularly midway through the season with the losses of two All-Americans, has been widely praised by analysts and players alike. His new role in Arizona also opens the door to working with former Buckeye's star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., coming off his rookie season with the Cardinals. Having an Arizona team striving to improve performance in the trenches, Frye's hiring becomes a strategic attempt to bring stability and expertise to the unit.

Ohio State's Next Challenge: Filling the Huge Shoes of Frye

And for Ohio State, his move leaves a hole that is at least as wide as the gigantic shoes he occupies-the second coaching vacancy in this offseason alone after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State. It is an especially difficult time, with Ohio State set to defend its national title in the 2025 season. Head coach Ryan Day will have to move fast to find a replacement who can keep the offensive line performing while trying to fix the recruiting and depth issues that plagued Frye's tenure.

A few potential candidates have emerged as possible replacements. One of those options could come in the form of Kevin Wilson, a former Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach whose coaching resume in regard to leading the offensive line dates back all the way to Oklahoma in the early 2000s. Recently let go after a two-year stint at the helm for Tulsa, he has deep connections with the program and would represent a very comfortable face for Day to welcome aboard. Another in-house option is Tim Drevno, currently an offensive quality control coach for the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State is also expected to explore external candidates to ensure the best fit for the program’s long-term goals.

Day has emphasized the importance of finding the right person to continue the program’s success, not just in terms of on-field results but also in player development. As he said following the national championship, his coaching philosophy is about helping young men reach their goals and dreams, which will more than likely guide the hiring process. The next offensive line coach will have to hit the ground running, particularly on the recruiting trail, if Ohio State is going to stay ahead in college football.

Looking Ahead

Frye's rise to the NFL is a new chapter in his career, epitomizing how to beat the odds while delivering results in the highest college football echelon. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look toward continuing its trajectory of championships amidst the coaching gaps left by both Frye and Knowles. How the Buckeyes adapt will be one of the biggest storylines going into the 2025 season.

Considering Frye, being reunited with Paris Johnson Jr. and the opportunity to work with an offensive line needing improvement at the Cardinals may set the stage for a very successful NFL coaching debut. For Ohio State, his loss is a gain, as it simply shows the type of coaches that have come through the program.

In all, Justin Frye's move to the Arizona Cardinals is a moment of importance both for himself and the programs concerned. Ohio State has to deal with how it will replace a coach who was integral to its recent championship success, while Frye is off into a new challenge in the NFL. The next few weeks are important for both parties as they look toward their respective futures.

Summary of the 2025 College Football National Championship Game

Overview of the Game:

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a pretty interesting match between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish held in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. Ohio State defeated the Notre Dame team with a score of 34-23 which ended on January 20, 2025. It added the ninth national championship to Ohio State and the first in the College Football Playoff era since its victory in 2015.

First Half:

Notre Dame scored in a strong opening drive with 18 plays, adding quarterback Riley Leonard on a 1-yard touchdown. Ohio State replied just as quick; quarterback Will Howard reached wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to take it in for the score. Then Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins scored with the Buckeyes to give them the lead on a 9-yard run.

Notre Dame wasn't any sharper on their second drive either, but the completions by Leonards to Kris Mitchell and Eli Raridon set up substantial yardage. Ohio State finished the first half well again with a third score by Judkins and left at halftime Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 7.

Second Half:

Ohio State would come out to start the third hot when Will Howard's touchdown pass stretched it to 28-7. The Buckeyes would eventually move in range and settle a few minutes later at 31-71 for them. Notre Dame would not just wilt and go away either as it answered with an Irish touchdown two point-conversion making it now 31-15.

Notre Dame was on one continuum in the fourth quarter with another touchdown and another two-point conversion that put them at a deficit of 31-23. But the Buckeyes had an answer for everything on Monday as Will Howard of Ohio State found Jeremiah Smith for 56 yards. That resulted in a field goal and Ohio State closing it out, 34-23.

The Buckeyes' defense was solid in the final minutes to seal their win for the national title. It was Ohio State's first national championship since 2014.

Awards Ceremony:

The post-game awards ceremony gave the following awards to both teams:

Offensive MVP: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard took home the Offensive MVP in this game because he was calm and precise throughout, managing the tempo of the game when called upon to deliver.

Defensive MVP: The defensive MVP of the game was Cody Simon, who had an outstanding performance to lead Ohio State in tackles with eight, including one for loss1, enabling the Buckeyes to defeat Notre Dame.

The ceremony also honored the resilience and spirit of both teams, noting Notre Dame's remarkable run to the championship despite its early-season loss. Ohio State was presented with the CFP National Championship Trophy, sponsored by Dr Pepper, a historic moment for the team and its fanbase.

Post-Game Reflections:

The post-game analysis that followed praised Ohio State's game plan on defense while giving considerable notice to the coaches' preparation and in-game adjustments. Notre Dame was applauded for their tenacity and the development under head coach Marcus Freeman-who, against the loss, showed a great deal of progress with the team.

The 2025 National Championship ended Ohio State's drought of championships, but more importantly, perhaps, it laid the bedrock for a new series of future match-ups between them, as each team notched another entry in the annals of their rivalry. It was further evidence of what this expanded 12-team playoff format brings for college football: excitement and unpredictability.

It was the perfect finish to an amazing season with high-voltage displays of college football talent, skillful tactics, and enthusiasm.

CFP National Championship: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Full Game Highlights

Ohio State Boosts Defense with Commitment of 2025 Transfer Ty Howard

In one of the biggest moves to strengthen their linebacker corps, Ohio State University has secured a commitment from Duquesne University transfer Ty Howard for the 2025 season. Howard, an All-Northeast Conference performer, announced that he will join the Buckeyes on January 5, 2025, in a deal seen to further boost a rather strong roster.

Transfer Impact

The addition of Ty Howard to Ohio State is well-timed as the Buckeyes seek to stay atop college football. A multi-faceted defensive back who had an excellent season at Duquesne, Howard earned honors for his work on defense. Howard recorded 52 tackles, seven for loss, four sacks, three interceptions and added several key pass breakups and fumble recoveries in nine games for the Dukes in 2024. His performance, especially his incredible four-game run of recording takeaways, showed him as a potential game-changer on defense.

Why Ohio State?

Ohio State had an interest in Howard due to his trail of success that precedes him and the demand for experienced players within the linebacker core. Howard chose to transfer in due to various factors, including playing on one of the most storied programs in college football with a knack for producing top talent into the NFL. The family tie to Ohio State, too, as Howard is the big brother of freshman running back signee Bo Jackson, probably didn't hurt. As a result, Ohio State not only builds up its defenses but also brings the siblings closer and supportive of each other in their respective collegiate careers.

What Howard Brings to the Team

Howard is a pretty attractive addition with his athletic profile at 6-foot and 200 pounds and two years of eligibility remaining. A big-play-capable defender - as evident in his interception return for a touchdown in 2024 - Howard has a high ceiling within the Jim Knowles defensive scheme. While he will probably start off as a depth addition, his skills indicate that he could vie for a more important position, especially since Cody Simon departed.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Talents will surround the linebacker room at Ohio State, including but not limited to: Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Payton Pierce, and Garrett Stover. Then again, Howard has experience and success at the FCS level that might allow him to carve out some sort of role. His addition means strategic depth-the ability of Ohio State to continue performing at a high level in injury or when somebody is underperforming.

With this transfer, Ohio State has continued to utilize the transfer portal as efficiently as in the case of earlier transfers like Will Howard from Kansas State, who has already been declared the starting quarterback for the 2024 season. This trend underlines the Buckeyes' commitment to adapting and enhancing their roster through both high school recruitment and the transfer portal.

Conclusion

Ty Howard's commitment to Ohio State for the 2025 season is a lot more than a transfer but an addition to strengthen up the Buckeyes' defense. Teaming up with his brother and such a talented class of linebackers, Ohio State fans and coaches will be anxious to see how the skills will truly translate into a competitive Big Ten Conference. His storyline from Duquesne to Ohio State will be one to keep an eye on, as he tries to leave his stamp on one of the most historic college football programs.

Duquesne Football Players Ty Howard, JaMario Clements and Joey Isabella Discuss Win Over Mercyhurst