Ranking the Best Ohio State Football Transfer Signings from the 2025 Winter Window
In college football, the winter transfer window has become an integral part of team-building, with programs across the country looking to add key pieces to their rosters to address needs and solidify their chances for success in the coming season. For Ohio State, the winter transfer window of 2025 was an opportunity to add players who could make an immediate impact and strengthen their already loaded roster. The Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to recruit elite talent, but the transfer portal has given them the chance to supplement their roster with players who can contribute right away.
With the 2025 season approaching, Ohio State has made several notable additions from the transfer portal, each of which could provide valuable depth and competition in key positions. In this article, we will rank the best transfer signings Ohio State made during the 2025 winter window and analyze what each player brings to the table.
1. QB Justin Fields (Transfer from Georgia)
While not a traditional transfer addition in the 2025 window (since he joined earlier), Justin Fields’ arrival from Georgia is still one of the most significant transfer moves for Ohio State in recent memory. Fields arrived at Ohio State in 2019 as a transfer and quickly became the face of the program, leading the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff and the Big Ten Championship game in his first season.
Fields’ impact on the Ohio State offense was nothing short of remarkable. As one of the most talented quarterbacks in Ohio State history, Fields possessed both the arm strength to make every throw and the athleticism to keep defenses honest with his legs. He became a Heisman finalist in 2020 and was a key player in helping Ohio State remain one of the nation’s premier programs.
While this isn’t a fresh 2025 addition, Fields’ legacy has influenced how Ohio State approaches future transfer portal targets at quarterback, setting the tone for future talent acquisitions. Ohio State has since learned how to effectively utilize the portal to fill important gaps, with future QB signings influenced by Fields’ success story.
2. WR Caleb Burton (Transfer from Texas)
After coming over from Texas, wide receiver Caleb Burton was one of Ohio State’s most exciting and impactful transfer portal additions in the 2025 winter window. The former four-star recruit brings with him an impressive set of skills, including outstanding speed, route-running, and hands that make him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s high-flying offense.
Burton is expected to play a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ passing game immediately. With several established wide receivers already on the roster, Burton can step in and provide depth while also competing for significant playing time. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays will complement the Buckeyes’ offense, which thrives on big plays and getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers.
With Ohio State continuing to produce elite wide receivers that find success at the next level, Burton is poised to follow in their footsteps and become a crucial cog in the Buckeyes’ offensive game plan in 2025.
3. OT Zach Rice (Transfer from Virginia)
In college football, building a powerful offensive line is essential for sustained success, and Ohio State made a key addition to its offensive line with the signing of tackle Zach Rice from Virginia. Rice was a standout player during his time with the Cavaliers and brings with him a wealth of experience that Ohio State can immediately benefit from.
As a big-bodied offensive tackle (6’5″ 320 lbs), Rice brings physicality, pass protection skills, and run-blocking ability that will significantly bolster the Buckeyes’ front five. With Ohio State continuing to develop NFL-caliber linemen under the guidance of offensive line coach Justin Frye, Rice is expected to fit into the rotation and help Ohio State continue its dominance in the trenches.
The addition of Rice not only addresses a positional need for the Buckeyes but also ensures that their offensive line will remain one of the best in the country, as Rice’s experience and versatility provide a solid anchor at tackle.
4. LB Justin Eboigbe (Transfer from Alabama)
Ohio State has consistently developed some of the best linebackers in the country, and the addition of Justin Eboigbe from Alabama adds another talented piece to the mix. Eboigbe played for Nick Saban’s Alabama squad and was known for his physicality, athleticism, and versatility in the middle of the defense. His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays against both the run and the pass makes him a versatile asset for the Buckeyes.
With Eboigbe’s experience at Alabama, a program known for its defensive prowess, Ohio State is adding a player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Eboigbe is expected to compete for a starting spot in the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps and help solidify their defense, which has already been one of the best in the Big Ten.
Eboigbe’s leadership and knowledge of the game will bring maturity to Ohio State’s defense, and his presence on the field will help the Buckeyes maintain their reputation as one of the toughest teams in the conference.
5. DB Jordan Hancock (Transfer from Oklahoma State)
With the defensive backfield often being one of the most critical units in modern college football, Ohio State strengthened its secondary by signing cornerback Jordan Hancock from Oklahoma State. Hancock was an exceptional cornerback during his time with the Cowboys and has the skill set needed to make an immediate impact at Ohio State. Known for his fluid movement, exceptional ball skills, and ability to shut down receivers, Hancock’s addition is expected to bolster Ohio State’s pass defense significantly.
Ohio State’s defense has historically been built on strong play from its secondary, and Hancock’s ability to lock down receivers will only strengthen that tradition. With the Buckeyes constantly competing for Big Ten and national championships, having a talented cornerback like Hancock will provide stability and depth to the defense.
Hancock’s playmaking ability and experience at a competitive program like Oklahoma State make him an excellent addition to Ohio State’s defensive backfield as they look to continue to build on their defensive success.
6. RB Jalen Warren (Transfer from Texas A&M)
Running back Jalen Warren was a solid addition for Ohio State, bringing depth and explosiveness to the backfield. Warren spent time at Texas A&M, where he demonstrated his ability to be a workhorse back with breakaway speed and physicality. With the Buckeyes looking to establish a dynamic running game to complement their potent passing attack, Warren’s ability to pick up tough yards and contribute in the passing game will provide valuable versatility.
Ohio State has been known for producing some of the top running backs in college football, and Warren’s skill set and experience make him an ideal candidate to contribute right away. While Warren may not be the feature back, his presence adds depth to the position, and he will be counted on to provide a reliable option for the Buckeyes’ offense in 2025.
7. TE Harrison Bryant (Transfer from Penn State)
The tight end position is often a key component of Ohio State’s offensive success, and Harrison Bryant’s addition from Penn State adds an intriguing option to the Buckeyes’ tight end room. Bryant is a big, athletic target who can create mismatches in the passing game while also being a capable blocker in the run game. His ability to line up both in-line and in the slot gives Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline more flexibility in how to use him.
Bryant’s hands, route-running ability, and athleticism provide a solid option in the red zone, and his size makes him a difficult matchup for defenders. Ohio State’s tight ends have historically been productive, and Bryant should continue that trend as a reliable pass-catching option in 2025.