Ohio State football’s transfer portal strategy: what positions do the Buckeyes need, and how many players will the school take?
Ohio State’s roster is loaded with talent, but the transfer portal has become too important to ignore as the Buckeyes look to solidify a championship push. With scholarship numbers in flux and a few glaring depth concerns, the staff is expected to be selective yet intentional about how many players it adds and where those reinforcements come from.
This article breaks down the likely transfer portal blueprint by estimating how many additions Ohio State could make at each position group and why those spots are the most critical.
OFFENSE:
Ohio State might not need a massive overhaul through the transfer portal, but there are three spots where targeted additions could make a real difference this cycle on offense. With a power back, proven offensive line depth, and one seasoned receiver, the Buckeyes could turn a strong roster into one that is better insulated against injury and more versatile when it matters most.
At running back, the priority should be a true power option or nationally known name who can finish drives and wear down defenses as Quinshon Judkins did during the last title run. Even if the room is talented, that bruising style is a unique complement and raises the ceiling in short-yardage and late-game situations.
On the offensive line, depth is the focus rather than replacing starters since the expectation is that the entire starting group returns unless someone unexpectedly leaves early. Adding one or two experienced linemen who can play multiple spots would protect against injuries and give the staff flexibility if a young player is not quite ready.
Wide receiver is the most interesting shift because Ohio State has historically avoided portal additions at that spot under Brian Hartline, preferring to rely on elite high school recruiting and development. With Hartline gone, it makes sense to pursue one established veteran who can stabilize the room, push the young talent, and provide ready-made production behind stars like Jeremiah Smith.
DEFENSE:
On defense, this portal cycle feels less like fine-tuning and more like targeted triage at a few key spots as Ohio State looks to bridge the gap between veteran departures and the next wave of young stars. The staff can lean on high-end talent in the pipeline, but the expectation should be several plug-and-play one-year additions who stabilize the depth chart while future anchors grow into bigger roles.
The back seven probably takes a lighter touch with one safety as a depth piece and one linebacker brought in to manage the room and give steady snaps while the young blue chip LBs mature, especially after losing both Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles this year. That type of veteran presence can keep the communication clean, handle early down work, and buy time for the future stars to develop without being thrown into every situation on day one.
Up front is where things get aggressive because the defensive line is heading for a massive overhaul with three and possibly four starters on the way out. Ohio State is likely to be extremely active hunting both high-floor rotational bodies and true star-caliber linemen in the portal, since aside from Eddrick Houston and Beau Atkinson, the returning group does not bring a long track record of quality college reps yet. If Kenyatta Jackson elects to stay, it changes the math and gives the staff more freedom to be selective. Still, if he moves on, the Buckeyes almost have to treat the edge and interior defensive line as priority portals with multiple additions.
PORTAL PLAN:
I’ve had the privilege of working across every corner of the sports media landscape—from covering Friday night lights as a beat writer for PrepRedzone, to reporting with the team at News Channel 4 WSMV (NBC affiliate), and diving deep into recruiting and scouting as an intern at Middle Tennessee State. During my time as a college student at MTSU, I also honed my broadcasting skills at the campus radio station, bringing live sports coverage and in-depth analysis to listeners across campus. My passion for sports runs deep, but nothing fires me up quite like Ohio State football. I can’t wait to bring my energy, experience, and Buckeye enthusiasm to this new opportunity!