Ohio State closed the transfer portal window strongly by additions led by Kyle Parker, Qua Russaw, James Smith, and Connor Hawkins.

Ohio State football entered the transfer portal period with clear needs after losing key players, and the Buckeyes did exactly what top programs are supposed to do. They identified roster holes, added experienced talent, and reloaded quickly. This cycle also showed a clear shift in strategy, as Ohio State focused on bringing in proven players and investing in experienced transfers to fill immediate needs.

With many of the top teams in college football built around fifth-year and older players, the Buckeyes prioritized experience over youth to strengthen the roster. By adding older, battle-tested talent at key positions, Ohio State is set up to be a strong contender again next season while continuing to build for the future.

OFFENSE:

QUARTERBACK – Justyn Martin (Maryland)

GRADE – C-

This is a clear depth addition rather than a flashy move. The player brings age and experience to the room and adds stability to the group. He will compete for a backup role while helping support the talented freshman Tavien St. Clair.

RUNNING BACK – Ja’Kobi Jackson (Florida)

GRADE – A-

Really nice blend of size and speed. Another Bo Jackson-type running back with maybe a touch more physicality. He has plenty of experience in his 7th year. He will be a great depth piece with both Bo Jackson and Isiah West next year.

WIDE RECEIVER – Devin McCuin (UTSA)

GRADE – A

McCuin brings proven production and speed to the wide receiver room. He gives Ohio State a reliable target who can contribute right away and stretch the field. This is a plug-and-play addition with real impact potential. He also runs a 10.28 100-meter, so the speed is real. Buckeye fans should be happy about this pickup. You might also see him in the fall as a return man.

WIDE RECEIVER – Kyle Parker (LSU)

GRADE – A

Parker adds size and physicality to the receiver group. He has experience in a high-level program and brings toughness to the outside. This pickup raises the floor of the room and gives Ohio State another dependable option. Looked at as a possible Carnell Tate replacement that could line up opposite of Jeremiah Smith on day 1. He is so smooth in and out of routes and has very strong hands as well.

TIGHT END – Mason Williams (Ohio)

GRADE – B

Williams adds depth and experience to the tight end room. He is a steady player who can block and handle his role when called upon. This is a solid addition that strengthens overall depth. He will be the typical run-blocking presence you see from many Ohio State tight ends.

TIGHT END – Hunter Welcing (Northwestern)

GRADE – A-

Welcing brings Big Ten experience and versatility. He may not be a top target in the passing game, but he provides reliable depth and flexibility. This move helps stabilize the position group. Welcing has a big catch radius and strong hands. Look for him to pair with Nate Roberts early in this Ohio State passing attack.

DEFENSE:

DEFENSIVE LINE – James Smith (Alabama)

GRADE – A

Smith is a high upside addition with elite physical tools. He brings SEC-level experience and immediate competition to the defensive line. This is a strong pickup that boosts both depth and talent. If you need someone who is stout against the run that can fill gaps, this is your guy.

DEFENSIVE LINE – Qua Russaw (Alabama)

GRADE – B

Russaw adds athleticism and rotational depth to the defensive front. While still developing, he brings upside and familiarity with a top-level system. He has all the tools to be great, but has not been able to put together the full package yet. Russaw will be in the 2-deep rotation, but will battle for that starting spot.

DEFENSIVE LINE – John Walker (UCF)

GRADE – B+

Walker brings energy and solid production to the defensive line. He can rotate early and provide dependable snaps. This is a good depth pickup with the chance to grow into a larger role very quickly. He brings relentless effort and is great against the run. Look for him to be a Ty Hamilton-type guy up front.

LINEBACKER – Christian Alliegro (Wisconsin)

GRADE – A

Alliegro brings toughness, instincts, and Big Ten experience to the linebacker room. He fits well in a physical defense and can contribute right away. This is a strong addition with starting potential. Another big, strong, and fast linebacker like the Buckeyes had last year. Another sideline-to-sideline type guy that should make an immediate impact.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Earl Little Jr. (Florida State)

GRADE – B+

Little adds experience and versatility to the secondary. He can play multiple roles and provides quality depth. This is a solid pickup that improves competition in the defensive back room. Position flex is his biggest attribute for the Buckeyes this upcoming year. Projected to start at Nickel (slot corner) as of right now.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Terry Moore (Duke)

GRADE – A+

Moore is a high-level addition with proven production. He brings leadership, ball skills, and immediate impact ability. This is a home run pickup for the secondary. This is, without a doubt, my favorite pickup of the portal class. Moore was considered a top 100 prospect in this year’s draft, but wants to be even better than that and improve his stock coming off his torn ACL.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Cam Calhoun (Alabama)

GRADE – C+

Calhoun is a depth addition with limited proven production. He brings experience from a top program, but will need to earn his role. This move is more about roster depth than impact. He has the intangibles and traits, but he needs to put them together to see the field.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Dominick Kelly (Georgia)

GRADE – B+

Kelly is a depth addition with strong upside and limited proven production as a freshman. He comes from a top program and brings a lot of potential and athletic traits. He should be an immediate depth piece this season and will push to develop into a clear starter next year if everything comes together.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

KICKER – Connor Hawkins (Baylor)

GRADE – A

Hawkins adds experience and consistency at a key position. He gives Ohio State a dependable option in the kicking game. This is a valuable pickup for special teams stability as he will be the clear starter next year.

LONG SNAPPER – Dalton Riggs (UCF)

GRADE – A-

Riggs brings reliability and experience to special teams. He fills a specific need and helps ensure consistency in the kicking operation. This is a smart and necessary addition that is not flashy.