Ryan Day finds himself navigating another challenging situation as Ohio State faces a “unique” dilemma ahead of the playoffs. The Buckeyes secured a strong 10-2 record this season, earning the No. 8 seed in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff format. However, the upcoming playoff roster could be impacted by the NCAA’s transfer portal period, which began on December 9 and runs until December 28, giving players a 20-day window to transfer.
Ohio State is not immune to the transfer portal frenzy, with several players already announcing their intentions to transfer. A key question looms: will these players be allowed to participate in the playoffs while in the portal? Head coach Ryan Day addressed this during a press conference, stating, “It’s not their fault. It’s just the way it’s designed that they have to make decisions while we’re getting ready to go play in the playoffs. So very, very unique. To answer your question, we’ll make decisions on [an] individual basis.”
Currently, four Buckeyes have entered the transfer portal: wide receivers Kojo Antwi and Jayden Ballard, linebacker Gabe Powers, and quarterback Devin Brown. Day emphasized a case-by-case approach when determining their playoff eligibility, but questions remain about how feasible this approach is.
This situation isn’t unprecedented for Ohio State. In 2022, linebacker Teradja Mitchell entered the transfer portal weeks before the playoffs but still suited up for the Buckeyes in their semifinal matchup against Georgia. A similar pattern could unfold this season, as Ohio State prepares to face Tennessee in their first-round playoff game. With high stakes, the Buckeyes will need all the talent they can muster to advance.
The matchup against Tennessee is set to take place on December 21 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, marking the first playoff game ever hosted at the venue. Ryan Day expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re obviously excited about playing the first-ever playoff game in Ohio Stadium.” As the No. 8 seed, Ohio State is a 7.5-point favorite over Tennessee, a team coached by Josh Heupel. However, the road ahead is challenging. Should they win, they’ll face top-seeded Oregon in the quarterfinals—a team that, along with Michigan, handed the Buckeyes their two losses this season.
Ohio State and Tennessee have only met once before, with the Volunteers prevailing 20-14 in the 1995 Citrus Bowl. However, this season could bring a different outcome. Despite entering the playoffs with high hopes, Ohio State faces significant uncertainties due to the transfer portal dynamics and the challenging path ahead. One game could drastically change the course of their playoff journey, making every decision by Ryan Day and his staff critical.
The stage is set for Ohio State to demonstrate resilience amid transfer portal chaos and a tough playoff schedule.