The NCAA transfer portal has become one of the most significant factors in college athletics over the past few years, with players transferring between programs at an unprecedented rate. While the portal has provided opportunities for student-athletes to find better fits for their talents and academic goals, it has also caused turmoil for programs, particularly when key players decide to leave. Unfortunately for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the NCAA transfer portal has delivered a brutal blow to their roster, with some significant departures that could alter the course of their upcoming season.
Ohio State, one of college football’s premier programs, has consistently been a national powerhouse, winning multiple Big Ten titles and regularly competing in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes have built their reputation on top-tier recruiting and player development, maintaining a steady influx of talent year after year. However, the departure of some key contributors via the transfer portal could have far-reaching consequences for the program. This article will take an in-depth look at the recent departures from Ohio State, their impact on the team, and how the Buckeyes plan to recover from this setback.
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The transfer portal is not a new concept in college sports, but its influence has grown exponentially in recent years. Since the introduction of the transfer portal in 2018, college football programs have seen a significant increase in the number of players entering the portal, driven in part by changes in eligibility rules and an increased focus on player empowerment. With players no longer having to sit out a season when transferring, the portal has allowed athletes to find new homes with more immediate opportunities.
However, for many programs, this has created a sense of instability. The transfer portal has allowed talented players to leave programs at will, sometimes without warning, creating a scenario in which teams can lose major contributors to rival schools or programs that better fit their needs. This phenomenon has hit Ohio State particularly hard in recent months, with a few notable departures that will leave significant holes in the Buckeyes’ depth chart.
Key Departures for Ohio State
1. CJ Hicks – Linebacker
CJ Hicks, once regarded as one of Ohio State’s most promising young linebackers, made waves when he entered the transfer portal. Hicks, a former five-star recruit from the class of 2023, had been expected to make an immediate impact in the Buckeyes’ defense. His combination of speed, size, and football IQ made him a standout during his high school career, and he was poised to become a key contributor for Ohio State in the near future.
However, despite his high potential, Hicks struggled to find consistent playing time in the Buckeyes’ crowded linebacker room during his freshman year. With the rise of other talented linebackers in the program, including Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, Hicks found himself buried on the depth chart. Frustrated by his lack of playing time, he ultimately made the decision to enter the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
The loss of Hicks is a blow to Ohio State’s linebacker corps. While the team still has talented players in Eichenberg and Chambers, Hicks was a highly-rated recruit who could have been a key part of the defense moving forward. His departure leaves a void in the depth of the linebacker position, and the Buckeyes will need to rely on younger players or transfers to fill the gap.
2. Evan Pryor – Running Back
Another critical loss for the Buckeyes comes at the running back position, where Evan Pryor entered the transfer portal after a relatively quiet career at Ohio State. Pryor, a former four-star recruit from the class of 2021, was highly regarded for his speed and explosiveness coming out of high school. Despite the hype, however, he struggled to find significant playing time behind standout backs like TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Pryor had the potential to develop into a key piece of Ohio State’s backfield rotation, but injuries and competition for playing time kept him from making a major impact. With Henderson and Williams ahead of him on the depth chart, Pryor’s opportunities for significant snaps were limited. After much deliberation, Pryor decided to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time and a chance to showcase his talents.
The loss of Pryor, while not as devastating as some of the other departures, still creates a void in the running back room. Ohio State will now have to rely more heavily on Henderson and Williams, both of whom have dealt with injuries in the past. The team may also need to tap into its recruiting class or look to the transfer portal for additional depth at running back.
3. Jakob James – Offensive Lineman
Offensive line depth is always crucial for a team like Ohio State, which thrives on a strong, physical offensive front. Jakob James, an offensive lineman who had been a key part of the Buckeyes’ rotation, made the decision to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time. James, who had spent several years at Ohio State, was a solid backup and had the potential to step into a starting role in the future. However, with the depth of talent at Ohio State’s offensive line, James struggled to earn consistent playing time.
The departure of James leaves the Buckeyes with fewer options in the interior of their offensive line. While Ohio State still has several high-level linemen, including Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, the loss of depth could become problematic in the long run, particularly if injuries or other issues arise. James’ departure, although not as high-profile as some of the other transfers, still weakens the overall depth of the offensive line.
4. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive Lineman (Uncertain Status)
One of the most surprising and potentially devastating losses for Ohio State came when star defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau reportedly entered the transfer portal, although his status remains uncertain. Tuimoloau, a former five-star recruit and one of the top defensive players in the country, had developed into a key force on the Buckeyes’ defensive front. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his pass rush and run-stopping ability made him a focal point of Ohio State’s defensive scheme.
However, Tuimoloau has been the subject of speculation over the past few months regarding his future with the program. While there has been no official confirmation that he has officially entered the portal, the rumors surrounding his potential departure have sent shockwaves through the Ohio State fanbase. If Tuimoloau does indeed leave the program, it would be a catastrophic loss for the Buckeyes’ defense, as he is one of the most dominant defensive players in the country.
Tuimoloau’s potential departure leaves a massive hole in Ohio State’s pass rush and defensive line depth. The Buckeyes would be forced to rely more heavily on younger players or other established veterans, but there is no denying that losing a player of Tuimoloau’s caliber would be a major setback.
The Fallout: How These Departures Impact Ohio State’s Depth and Recruiting
The departures of key players like Hicks, Pryor, and James, along with the uncertainty surrounding Tuimoloau, have created significant ripple effects throughout Ohio State’s roster. These losses will affect the team’s depth chart and could put additional pressure on remaining players to step up and perform at a high level.
1. Linebacker Depth
The loss of CJ Hicks leaves a noticeable hole in Ohio State’s linebacker corps. While the Buckeyes still have standout players in Eichenberg and Chambers, Hicks was seen as a potential future star who could have been developed into a top-tier linebacker. Ohio State will need to rely more heavily on its remaining linebackers and younger players to step up in his absence. The team may also look to the transfer portal to bring in additional depth at linebacker, but it will take time for any new recruits to integrate into the program.
2. Running Back Rotation
The departure of Evan Pryor adds more pressure to Ohio State’s already thin running back rotation. With Henderson and Williams both coming off injury-riddled seasons, the Buckeyes will need to ensure they have the depth and versatility to handle the demands of a full season. While they still have talented backs on the roster, the team could find itself in a precarious situation if either Henderson or Williams suffers an injury.
3. Offensive Line Depth
The loss of Jakob James further weakens the depth of Ohio State’s offensive line. The Buckeyes have talent at the top of the depth chart, but losing a solid backup like James creates more uncertainty. Offensive line play is crucial to Ohio State’s offensive success, particularly with the team’s high-powered passing attack and dynamic running backs. The Buckeyes will need to develop younger players quickly or look for additional help in the transfer portal to ensure they don’t fall behind in the trenches.
4. Defensive Line Dominance
If J.T. Tuimoloau does indeed leave, the loss of one of the nation’s best defensive linemen would be a devastating blow for Ohio State. Tuimoloau was a key player in the Buckeyes’ defensive front, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses cannot be understated. Ohio State will have to rely more heavily on its other defensive linemen to fill the gap left by Tuimoloau, and it could force the team to adjust its defensive scheme.
How Ohio State Can Bounce Back
Despite these setbacks, Ohio State remains one of the most talented and well-coached teams in college football. While the departures have undoubtedly hurt the team’s depth and rotation, the Buckeyes still have a wealth of talent to work with. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff will need to make the most of the talent remaining on the roster and ensure that the new players coming in can step up and make an immediate impact.
Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, combined with its ability to develop players, will be key to mitigating the effects of the transfer portal departures. The Buckeyes may look to the portal themselves to add depth in key positions, particularly at linebacker, running back, and defensive line. In addition, Ohio State’s commitment to player development means that the younger players on the roster will be called upon to rise to the occasion.
The transfer portal will continue to shape the landscape of college football, and Ohio State is no exception to its effects. However, with their coaching staff, talent, and resources, the Buckeyes will likely bounce back from these departures and remain a force in college football for years to come.