Ohio State head coach makes strong statement about team culture with transfer additions
Some coaches, like Clemson's Dabo Swinney, are profoundly against the transfer portal and the issues hyperactive player movement can create. Instead of going against the grain, the Ohio State Buckeyes have embraced their ability to attract top-tier talent. Head coach Ryan Day brought in four key stars this past offseason, including quarterback Will Howard, running […]
Some coaches, like Clemson's Dabo Swinney, are profoundly against the transfer portal and the issues hyperactive player movement can create. Instead of going against the grain, the Ohio State Buckeyes have embraced their ability to attract top-tier talent.
Head coach Ryan Day brought in four key stars this past offseason, including quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, safety Caleb Downs, and center Seth McLaughlin. Their on-field ability wasn't questioned too much at the time, but Day made a resounding statement about what they've brought to the program's culture thus far.
When asked about the quartet, who joined from Alabama, Kansas State, and Ole Miss, Day said, “All of those guys have been excellent culture fits."
Part of the equation would always be adding grinders to the locker room. Adding All-Americans is great, but there has to be culture fits who buy into the program's lore and tradition. Beating Michigan matters more than anything, and then winning the National Championship and the Big Ten title.
Howard, completing almost 69 percent of his passes for 795 yards, six touchdowns to only one interception, has given the Buckeyes everything he was supposed to thus far. He'll be challenged more in the coming weeks, but he's also been holding in his rushing ability for when the team needs it most.
McLaughlin has been just as good, grading as an above-average blocker by PFF. His run blocking has been especially noticeable as he moves to the second level of defenses with ease and landmarks his targets as well as any Ohio State center in several years. He's playing at a high level and has rehabilitated his 2025 NFL Draft stock successfully thus far.
Downs and Judkins were the two best players the team added overall. Each has absolutely lived up to their talents, dominating their respective side of the ball and being a key engine to the units operating so cleanly.
Downs is always everywhere at once, going well beyond his stat line of nine tackles, half a sack, and one pass breakup. You could watch him for the entirety of one game and be entertained by how much ground he covers and makes up for. He's truly a cherry on top defensive weapon who is taking this defense to heights we haven't seen, and it'll pay off against top foes.
Judkins is obviously the easiest to notice as the primary rusher. He's averaging 9.3 yards per carry, totaling five touchdowns and 336 yards on only 36 carries. He's been thriving behind Ohio State's bulldozing line over the last two games in particular, and it's not shocking he's pulled away from TreVeyon Henderson as the lead back.
