Ohio State football transfer portal expectations – needs that exist for the Buckeyes, and players they could be losing
Ohio State will soon have to attack the transfer portal, while they hope to still be in the College Football Playoff.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have much of their focus on the College Football Playoff run that lies ahead. But because the NCAA calendar is set up the way it is, the Buckeyes have to be prepared to navigate the transfer portal as well.
Ohio State suffered its first loss to the transfer portal on Thursday when WR Bryson Rodgers made it known he will enter the portal. There’s a lot to go through with the portal coming up, and I’ve broken that down below.
Early NFL draft entrants will impact the Buckeyes
There are a number of Buckeyes who will have to decide whether to enter the transfer portal or return. That list includes: WR Carnell Tate, LB Arvell Reese, DT Kayden McDonald, TE Max Klare, DE Kenyatta Jackson, CB Jermaine Mathews Jr., and OL Austin Siereveld. I expect all of those players, except for maybe Mathews and potentially Siereveld, to go to the NFL.
Potential players who will be leaving Ohio State to enter the transfer portal
So far, we’ve seen one entry with Rodgers, and that list could grow to double digits by the time the portal closes on Jan. 16. Several players will have to decide to stay or look for an opportunity elsewhere. Current Buckeyes I will be keeping an eye on are: WR Mylan Graham, QB Lincoln Kienholz, DE CJ Hicks, RB James Peoples, RB Sam Williams-Dixon, CB Miles Lockhart, and DT Dominic Kirks, to name a few.
Ohio State is going to need defensive line help
The Buckeyes lost all four starters last year from their national championship team along the defensive line, and they’re set up to lose the majority of them again this season. Caden Curry will be out of eligibility, and as I mentioned, Jackson has had a strong enough season to make the jump to the NFL as well.
McDonald is an All-American set to be a first-round pick as well. The Buckeyes could add a stud defensive tackle to pair with Eddrick Houston for the 2026 season. It makes sense for them to add a pass rusher as well, with next year’s group looking like Beau Atkinson, Zion Grady, and potentially Hicks at the top of the depth chart. Younger depth will push for reps, but adding a standout pass rusher should be worth a look.
Adding an experienced running back could be the play for Ohio State
There’s no question that Bo Jackson will be the top guy for Ohio State’s offense next season. Isaiah West very well could be the No. 2 guy, as he’s turned it on down the stretch. After that, it makes sense for the Buckeyes to look to bring in some experience.
They’ve already been connected to Florida RB Jaden Baugh if he enters, and he’d be the perfect fit next to Jackson. Ohio State will lose CJ Donaldson to graduation, and Peoples could hit the portal.
Ohio State has to upgrade the special teams finally
For the Buckeyes to be as talented as they are, they need to be better on special teams. Jayden Fielding will be out of eligibility, and even he’s had his struggles this season. With no one else arising to take Fielding’s place, it’s fair to question whether the next kicker is on the roster. Ohio State can stand to improve at punter as well.
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