By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Ohio State Buckeyes
The skinny: Ohio State embraced the philosophy of quality of quantity during this portal cycle. While the Buckeyes weren’t overly active, a few of the additions should be vital contributors during the 2024 season. They also saw a few talented young players depart, which won’t affect them in 2024 but who had the potential to be contributors down-the-line. Overall, the Buckeyes’ roster is loaded with talent, so they are in a position to annually try and plug the few holes that they identify.
Total # entries into portal: 29
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 24
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 1
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Key losses: DB Jyaire Brown (LSU), WR Noah Rogers (NC State), LB Nigel Glover (Northwestern), DB Cedrick Hawkins (UCF)
Key additions: DB Caleb Downs (Alabama), RB Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss), QB Will Howard (Kansas State), QB Julian Sayin (Alabama), OL Seth McLaughlin (Alabama), DB Keenan Nelson Jr. (South Carolina)
Final thoughts: Many assumed that when Will Howard signed, he would undoubtedly become the starter for the Buckeyes. But a funny thing has happened, as Devin Brown has battled and made this a viable competition. Don’t expect a quick resolution, as a starter likely won’t be named until the end of summer camp. And even after one is named, both quarterbacks may see the field. While the quarterback position still has some drama, the running back position is loaded after the addition of Quinshon Judkins. Teaming up with TreVeyon Henderson, they form the top backfield duo in the country. Look for them to split carries, which will only make them more dynamic and fresh during the fourth quarter of any close games. Defensively, the Buckeyes added one of the top overall transfers of the cycle in DB Caleb Downs. One of the elite true freshmen in the country last year, he should continue to dominate in the Big Ten.
