Ethan Onianwa Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
School: Ohio State
Class: Redshirt Senior
Position: OT
HT: 6’6
WT: 357 lbs
Background: Ethan Onianwa was recruited as an interior offensive lineman out of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. Onianwa was a top 100 interior offensive lineman in the 2021 class. He was an all-district honoree as a junior. As a senior, he was named to the Houston Chronicle’s top 100. Onianwa committed to Rice out of high school over North Texas, SMU, and others.
College: Ethan redshirted as a true freshman in 2021 before becoming a 3-year starter at right tackle from 2022-24. Before the ‘24 campaign, Onianwa made the switch to left tackle. Before the 2025 season, Onianwa transferred to play for Ohio State. Onianwa was a starting tackle for an Ohio State team that reached the conference championship and CFP. He went on to participate in the Senior Bowl after the season.
Strengths: Ethan Onianwa is a thickly built offensive lineman who has the frame and versatility to play both guard and tackle. His mass pairs well with his length as his arms pose serious issues for rushers trying to get under his pads. Onianwa has quick hands at the line of scrimmage. He often lands the first strike in the phone booth. Not only does he lead with one initial strike, but he usually fires out of his stance with a combo punch. Onianwa has quick feet and an explosive kickstep in pass protection. He has good recovery speed when he is beat off the initial rush. He does a good job of using his recovery speed and momentum to drive edge rushers behind and out of the play.
Weaknesses: Onianwa struggles recognizing stunts or twists at the line of scrimmage. He is a slow processor and seems to hesitate when picking up assignments. Onianwa’s mass does not directly translate to grip strength. His block sustainability is poor. As a run blocker, he is a clumsy runner in open space with a lack of athleticism that defenders take advantage of. Onianwa takes bad angles in the open field and gets beat by defenders who have quicker feet than him.
Conclusion: Ethan Onianwa is a big offensive lineman who plays offensive tackle but should be looked at as a prime candidate to kick inside to guard. He is a slower athlete but he makes up for it with measurables and punch combos. He will be a fringe roster player as a rookie and will be a depth addition at best.
Best Team Fits: CLE, LAC, ATL
Player Comparison: Malaesala Aumave-Laulu
Player Grade: Round 6 (48.5)
