The Ohio State Buckeyes are undergoing a major roster transformation for the 2026 season, with over half of their scholarship players from 2025 moving on. This mass exodus includes 31 transfer portal departures, five early NFL draft entries, and 11 players who have completed their collegiate eligibility. Despite this, the Buckeyes have swiftly rebuilt their roster, adding 16 players from the transfer portal and a robust 28-man freshman class, ensuring they maintain a competitive squad with 88 scholarship players for the upcoming season.
The Quarterback Conundrum:
At the quarterback position, Ohio State faces a delicate balance. While they retain Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist from last season, and Tavien St. Clair, who is poised to step up as the No. 2 quarterback, the departure of Lincoln Kienholz leaves a void. Kienholz, who transferred to Louisville to become a starter, was a valuable backup. The Buckeyes have addressed this by adding Justyn Martin, a veteran quarterback, and Luke Fahey, a talented freshman, to bolster their depth.
Running Back Reinforcements:
In the running back corps, Bo Jackson returns as the top runner, with Isaiah West likely to be his primary backup. The Buckeyes have strengthened their depth by adding Ja'Kobi Jackson, a seventh-year senior from Florida with impressive credentials. This move is crucial, as retaining James Peoples and Sam Dixon, who both transferred, would have been ideal but was not expected.
Wide Receiver Revamp:
The wide receiver position has been significantly impacted by the transfer portal, with the departure of Brian Hartline as head coach to USF and the loss of five players, including top backups Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter, and Bryson Rodgers. However, Ohio State has responded by bringing in two transfer wide receivers, Kyle Parker and Devin McCuin, a bold move they hadn't made during Hartline's tenure. This, coupled with the return of starters Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss, and the addition of highly touted freshman Chris Henry Jr., ensures a well-stocked wide receiver room despite the losses.
Tight End Transition:
At tight end, Ohio State must replace its top two players from last season, Will Kacmarek and Max Klare, who left for the NFL draft. The Buckeyes have addressed this by adding Hunter Welcing and Mason Williams, both starters at their previous schools, alongside returning players Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts. This move ensures strong depth at the position, even though retaining Klare for another season would have been ideal.
Offensive Line Stability:
The offensive line is the only position, aside from punter, where the Buckeyes haven't made transfer additions. Despite struggles in their last two games of the 2025 season, Ohio State is relying on their returning players to improve. This includes starters Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels, as well as key backups Joshua Padilla, Gabe VanSickle, and Ian Moore. The Buckeyes have enough scholarship offensive linemen for a full three-deep, ensuring depth despite the lack of transfer additions.
Defensive End Depth:
At defensive end, Ohio State lost four reserves to the transfer portal, but only C.J. Hicks was expected to play a significant role. The Buckeyes added Qua Russaw, a talented transfer edge rusher, and retained Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Zion Grady, and Beau Atkinson from last season's top four. The depth chart is further bolstered by a promising group of young players, including redshirt freshman Epi Sitanilei and true freshman Khary Wilder, a top-50 overall prospect.
Defensive Tackle Turnover:
The defensive tackle position saw significant turnover, with the departure of starters Kayden McDonald and Tywone Malone Jr., as well as three other players. Ohio State addressed this by adding James Smith from Alabama and John Walker from UCF, both of whom are experienced starters. Returning players Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., and Jason Moore provide a strong core, ensuring a solid defensive tackle unit.
Linebacker Leadership:
The linebacker position remains a strength, even with the departure of two projected first-round draft picks. The addition of Christian Alliegro from Wisconsin, along with returning players Payton Pierce and Riley Pettijohn, forms an excellent trio. With three other returning linebackers and three incoming freshmen, including top-50 overall prospect Cincere Johnson, the Buckeyes have exceptional depth at this position.
Cornerback Concerns:
The cornerback position has seen some turnover, with the departure of four of the top six players from last season. Ohio State has replenished their depth by adding Cam Calhoun and Dominick Kelly, both capable of backing up Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez. Assuming Sanchez continues his development, the cornerback unit looks strong, but the loss of experienced players could be a concern.
Safety Strength:
At safety, Ohio State had to fill the massive void left by two-time unanimous All-American Caleb Downs. They did so by adding Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore, both second-team All-ACC transfers, who are expected to start alongside returning starter Jaylen McClain. The depth at safety is solid, with returning player Leroy Roker III and top-75 prospect Blaine Bradford leading a talented freshman class. The Buckeyes have effectively addressed their safety needs through the transfer portal.
Special Teams Shuffle:
In special teams, Ohio State has found an upgrade at kicker in Connor Hawkins, who had a strong 2025 season at Baylor. They still need to add depth at this position and punter, where Joe McGuire will likely continue as the starter. The Buckeyes have also brought in an experienced long snapper, Dalton Riggs, to replace John Ferlmann. These moves ensure the Buckeyes have a well-rounded and competitive roster for the 2026 season.
Controversial Take:
While the Buckeyes have addressed their most pressing needs, some positions, like offensive line and cornerback, could be areas of concern due to the lack of transfer additions and the departure of experienced players. Will Ohio State's reliance on returning players pay off, or will they regret not being more active in the transfer portal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
