Ohio State’s latest roster addition adds needed depth, and it’s more competition for a crucial transfer portal move the Buckeyes made
The Ohio State Buckeyes aren’t done adding to the 2026 roster.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have added 17 players from the transfer portal, signaling a shift in how the roster is built.
More than 30 players exited the process via the portal — mostly depth from the back end of the roster. Ohio State just retooled a part of that depth with their latest addition, while adding competition for a transfer portal player brought in.
Ohio State adds another kicker for the 2026 season
The Buckeyes have added a commitment from 2026 K Cooper Peterson, and he’ll join the team as a preferred walk-on with a chance to earn a scholarship. Peterson will add depth behind former Baylor K Connor Hawkins, who they added in the transfer portal as the expected starter in 2026.
Peterson was in Columbus during the Week 3 game against the Ohio Bobcats back in September. It was the second trip for the standout kicker from North Carolina, who went 8-of-9 on kicks as a senior at Corvian Community High School with a long of 48 yards.
Peterson is said to have the ability to make kicks from 55-60 yards, and was 57-of-68 on putting kickoffs for a touchback.
Ohio State will not bring back K Jayden Fielding in 2026, as he’s out of eligibility. Hawkins had a terrific redshirt season at Baylor and has three years of eligibility left with the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Peterson gives the Buckeyes an option aside from Hawkins and more depth after Jackson Courville transferred to Tulane. Ohio State’s kicking game has been an inconsistent spot as of recent years, and the Buckeyes have gotten better there this offseason.
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