Ohio State football starter mentions transfer and freshman who are flying under the radar that fans may want to know
Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain is going to be a key part of the Buckeyes in 2026. He’s pointed out two players who are flying under the radar ahead of preseason camp, but perhaps shouldn’t be.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were very active in the transfer portal a few months ago and they added several players who are going to have roles in 2026.
Fall camp is just weeks away for the Buckeyes and the new look Ohio State football team will ramp up for what is a tough schedule.
After losing 11 players to the NFL a year after they lost 14, the Buckeyes are again going to have to retool. It’s always the expectation in Columbus and it’s no different for Ryan Day’s squad this time around.
Ohio State starter names 2 Buckeyes who may be flying under the radar
The Buckeyes are going to have a very different-looking secondary with just two full-time starters returning. Cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. and safety Jaylen McClain will both be key pieces for the Buckeyes. On a recent airing of Austin & Birm, McClain pointed out a couple of Buckeyes we should keep an eye on.
“Obviously, I got my safeties. I got Earl [Little]. He’s a fast football player. I like his game a lot, and I learn from him as well,” McClain stated. “And we’ll go with a young guy, Jay Timmons, he’s gonna be a baller.”
Former Florida State and Alabama safety Earl Little Jr. was an experienced pickup for the Buckeyes in the portal. Little had 76 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups for the Seminoles last year. He saw time in the slot for the Buckeyes this spring, but could end up opposite McClain depending on where transfer Terry Moore plays.
Little gives the Buckeyes a player with a ton of experience, having played 35 games between Alabama and Florida State. After losing players like Caleb Downs and Lorenzo Styles, it made too much sense to add some experience.
Jay Timmons is an underrated freshman to watch
Ohio State flipped Timmons from Florida State last November and it was a key recruiting addition for the Buckeyes with a five-star player and No. 3 cornerback in the class of 2026.
Timmons has the potential to push for playing time in the slot for the Buckeyes in Year 1. There’s no chance to get the 5-foot-11, 180-pound freshman on the field, but if he’s ready he’ll play. Much of Ohio State’s secondary will depend on where the transfer safeties line up. The only sure-fire players who are set in the secondary are McClain at safety, then Mathews and Devin Sanchez at cornerback.
We heard a lot about freshmen wideouts Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd in the spring. Timmons is a freshman on the defensive side of the football Buckeye Nation should get familiar with him right away for the 2026 campaign.