Examining the offseason roster movement for Ohio State football through the transfer portal

The transfer portal has become one of the most transformative elements of modern college football. With its ability to allow players to change programs freely, the portal has drastically altered how teams build and manage their rosters. For programs like Ohio State, with a history of success and national championship aspirations, the transfer portal is not just a tool to fill gaps—it’s a way to enhance their roster, improve depth, and address areas of need. The 2024 offseason has been no different for the Buckeyes, who have made strategic moves through the portal to improve their roster ahead of the 2024 season.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Ohio State football’s offseason roster movement through the transfer portal. We will look at the key additions and departures, how these moves are likely to impact the team, and what they mean for the Buckeyes’ pursuit of another Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth. As Ohio State continues to evolve under head coach Ryan Day, the transfer portal has become an integral part of their strategy to stay ahead of the competition, especially as other top programs are also aggressively utilizing the portal.

1. The Growing Role of the Transfer Portal in College Football

The transfer portal, which officially began in 2018, has significantly changed the landscape of college football recruiting. Before the portal, transferring was a cumbersome process that often required players to sit out a year before being eligible to play for their new school. With the advent of the portal, players can now transfer freely, and in most cases, immediately become eligible to play at their new school. This change has led to an influx of players moving between programs, with schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU using the portal to bolster their rosters.

For Ohio State, the portal provides an opportunity to address weaknesses on the roster, particularly in areas like depth, position competition, and injury recovery. The Buckeyes, who are always in contention for top recruits, also use the portal to bring in immediate contributors, whether they’re graduate transfers or underclassmen looking for more playing time. Ohio State’s strategy in utilizing the portal is often to target players who can immediately step in and make an impact, rather than waiting for young players to develop in the program.

2. Ohio State’s Key Additions in the Transfer Portal

Ohio State has always been known for its elite recruiting, but the addition of transfer portal players has allowed the program to make even more immediate upgrades. For the 2024 season, the Buckeyes brought in a handful of impact players through the portal, each addressing specific areas of need.

Wide Receiver: Kaleb Brown (Iowa)

One of the most notable additions for Ohio State this offseason came at the wide receiver position. The Buckeyes’ passing game, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, has been a strength in recent years, but with the departure of star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the NFL, Ohio State needed to add more talent to the receiving corps. Enter Kaleb Brown, a former four-star recruit from Iowa.

Brown, who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 season, offers Ohio State a dynamic and versatile receiving threat. Standing at 6 feet, 1 inch, and weighing 195 pounds, Brown has the size and speed to excel as a playmaker in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. His addition brings immediate depth to a position that is expected to be a key part of Ohio State’s offensive success in 2024. Brown’s ability to stretch the field and contribute in the slot will give the Buckeyes a new weapon alongside returnees like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.

Linebacker: C.J. Hicks (Ohio State)

While Ohio State did not make many significant external additions to the linebacker position through the portal, they did get a key internal transfer with C.J. Hicks, who returns to the team after a year in which he saw limited playing time. Hicks was highly regarded as one of the top linebacker recruits in the 2022 class but had struggled to find consistent playing time in the Buckeyes’ rotation. With the departures of senior linebackers and the need to reload at the position, Hicks is expected to step up in 2024.

While not technically a transfer in the traditional sense, the development of Hicks is significant for Ohio State’s defensive depth. He has the potential to be a major contributor and a physical presence in the middle of the field. His return is viewed as a critical move in the Buckeyes’ defensive restructuring.

Defensive Back: Davison Igbinosun (Ole Miss)

Perhaps one of the most impactful transfers for Ohio State came in the form of Davison Igbinosun, a cornerback who transferred from Ole Miss. Igbinosun has the size (6 feet, 1 inch, 190 pounds) and speed to be an immediate starter in the Buckeyes’ secondary, which had struggled at times in 2023. The departure of several key defensive backs, including Cam Brown and Denzel Burke, created an opening for a player like Igbinosun to come in and contribute right away.

Igbinosun’s physicality and ability to cover elite receivers will be crucial for Ohio State’s defense, especially in the Big Ten, where strong passing offenses abound. His ability to match up with top-tier receivers will help solidify the Buckeyes’ defense and allow them to compete with some of the best offenses in the country.

Quarterback: Kyle McCord (Ohio State)

While McCord was not brought in through the transfer portal, his situation still plays into the overall conversation about Ohio State’s roster movement. McCord’s development in the offseason has been crucial for the Buckeyes as they look to fill the void left by C.J. Stroud’s departure to the NFL. With McCord expected to take over as the starter in 2024, he will be tasked with leading an offense that remains one of the best in the country.

His chemistry with returning players and his experience from his time backing up Stroud will be invaluable as Ohio State transitions to a new era at quarterback.

3. Key Departures from Ohio State’s Roster

While the transfer portal has allowed Ohio State to bring in new talent, it has also seen several players depart for other programs in search of more playing time, a change of scenery, or new opportunities. These departures, while sometimes difficult, are a natural part of the landscape in college football, particularly as the portal continues to play a larger role in roster management.

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson (NFL Draft)

One of the most significant departures for Ohio State this offseason was TreVeyon Henderson, a standout running back who declared for the NFL Draft. Henderson was a key part of the Buckeyes’ offense, known for his explosiveness, vision, and ability to make plays in space. His departure leaves a gap in the backfield, but it also opens up opportunities for younger running backs like Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden to step into larger roles.

While Henderson’s departure is a loss for Ohio State, the running back room remains stocked with talent, and it’s likely that the Buckeyes will continue to field a potent rushing attack in 2024.

Wide Receiver: Julian Fleming (Transfer to Auburn)

Ohio State’s wide receiver room has been one of the deepest in the nation, but with the crowded depth chart, some players have opted to transfer for more opportunities. Julian Fleming, once a highly touted recruit, transferred to Auburn after struggling to find consistent playing time in Ohio State’s star-studded receiving corps. Fleming’s departure means that other players will have a chance to step up in the pecking order, but it also reflects the high level of competition at Ohio State’s receiver position.

Fleming’s absence is a blow to the Buckeyes’ depth, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by the transfer portal and the competition for spots in one of the best programs in the country.

Defensive Back: Jantzen Dunn (Transfer to Kentucky)

Jantzen Dunn, a cornerback who had shown flashes of potential at Ohio State, transferred to Kentucky after struggling to crack the rotation in the Buckeyes’ crowded secondary. Dunn’s departure is another example of the competition for playing time at Ohio State, especially in a position group that features several talented, high-profile recruits. While Dunn’s loss is not as significant as other departures, it does leave a slight gap in the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield.

4. How the Transfer Portal Will Shape Ohio State’s 2024 Roster

The additions and departures via the transfer portal will have a significant impact on Ohio State’s roster heading into the 2024 season. Key players like Kaleb Brown, Davison Igbinosun, and C.J. Hicks will help bolster Ohio State’s depth and improve areas of need, particularly at wide receiver and defensive back. Meanwhile, the departures of players like TreVeyon Henderson and Julian Fleming will force the Buckeyes to rely on their younger talent to step up.

As Ohio State prepares for what could be another College Football Playoff run in 2024, the strategic use of the transfer portal will be crucial. With an ever-changing landscape in college football, Ohio State’s ability to address gaps and enhance their roster through the portal will be vital in staying competitive with the nation’s elite programs.