Ohio State has long been a college football powerhouse, and few programs hold their team to as high a standard. Despite an impressive 10-2 season and a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance, there is frustration among the Buckeye faithful, largely due to a fourth consecutive loss to archrival Michigan. Some analysts believe that winning a national championship may be necessary for head coach Ryan Day to solidify his position moving forward.
While the Buckeyes gear up for their CFP matchup, the transfer portal has also become a critical area of focus. Despite boasting one of the nation’s deepest rosters, Ohio State will lose numerous key players to graduation and the NFL draft, leaving gaps to fill in several areas. The Buckeyes have already made a move by securing former Minnesota offensive lineman Phillip Daniels, who will join the team in 2025. However, additional reinforcements may be needed to maintain their status as one of college football’s elite teams.
Ohio State will face the Tennessee Volunteers in the opening round of the CFP, playing at home with hopes of advancing to the Rose Bowl, where they could meet the Oregon Ducks. As the Buckeyes prepare for their postseason run, identifying players to target in the transfer portal will be essential to sustaining their competitive edge.
Top 5 Transfer Targets for Ohio State
#5. Kameron Olds (Edge Rusher, Kent State)
Kameron Olds experienced a breakout season at Kent State, recording 42 tackles, six sacks, and one interception in 2024 after limited action in his first two years. With Ohio State’s defensive end group poised to lose experienced starters, adding a proven player like Olds could provide immediate stability while younger talents develop.
#4. Justice Haynes (Running Back, Alabama)
Justice Haynes has emerged as a strong running back option, tallying 488 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. With standout backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins leaving after the season, Ohio State will need reinforcements to maintain their traditionally strong ground game. Haynes could take on a leading role in the backfield and keep the Buckeyes’ rushing attack among the best in the nation.
#3. James Thompson Jr. (Defensive Line, Wisconsin)
After missing the 2024 season due to a torn pectoral muscle, James Thompson Jr. could offer valuable experience and production for a depleted Ohio State defensive line. Thompson recorded 29 tackles and three sacks in 2023 and would provide much-needed depth in the trenches, especially with the Buckeyes losing their entire starting defensive line.
#2. Tacario Davis (Cornerback, Arizona)
Ohio State’s secondary will face challenges with the departures of Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock in 2025. Although Davison Igbinosun remains, his inconsistencies might result in a positional switch to safety. Adding a top-tier cornerback like Tacario Davis—highly regarded despite limited interception stats due to opponents avoiding him—could help solidify the perimeter defense.
#1. Josh Thompson (Offensive Line, Northwestern)
Phillip Daniels bolsters the Buckeyes’ tackle depth, but there remains a need for interior offensive line reinforcements. Josh Thompson, a graduate transfer and one of the most coveted guards in the portal, is highly rated by Pro Football Focus. With the versatility to play guard or tackle, Thompson’s Big Ten experience would make him a valuable addition to Ohio State’s offensive front.
As Ohio State navigates its CFP journey, these players could help address critical roster needs for 2025 and beyond. Strategic use of the transfer portal will be vital to ensuring the Buckeyes remain a dominant force in college football.