The Ohio State Buckeyes' 2025 season ended abruptly, sparking a mass exodus of players from the program. With 36 players leaving, including 31 scholarship players, the team faced a significant challenge in the transfer portal. Despite an impressive retention record under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes needed to replace key players for the 2026 season. This article explores the destinations of the defensive transfers, analyzing their potential impact at their new schools.
EDGE C.J. HICKS - SOUTH FLORIDA
C.J. Hicks, a former Buckeye linebacker, never lived up to the hype during his four seasons at Ohio State. Despite discussions about his potential breakout year, he consistently lost out to other linebackers. Hicks moved to defensive end but still struggled to secure playing time. After a redshirt season, he entered the transfer portal and landed at South Florida, reuniting with former Buckeye coach Brian Hartline.
Hicks' potential impact at South Florida is promising. With more playing time than at Ohio State, he could be a pass-rush specialist in the Bulls' defense. His reunion with Hartline, who is now the head coach, suggests a strategic move. Hicks should be used alongside run-stopper Michael Williams, and his starting role will be determined by the season's progress.
DL TRAJEN ODOM - ARKANSAS
Trajen Odom, a three-star prospect, committed to Ohio State in 2024 but struggled to make an immediate impact. Playing behind established players, he redshirted as a freshman and entered the transfer portal, committing to Arkansas.
Odom's potential impact at Arkansas is evident. He demonstrated productivity in the spring and is projected as the primary backup to fourth-year junior Hunter Osborne. While he may not start, Odom's role as a redshirt freshman is crucial for the Razorbacks' defense.
EDGE JOSHUA MICKENS - UNCONN
Joshua Mickens, a top-20 edge rusher and 2023 recruit, arrived at Ohio State with high expectations but underperformed. Behind established players, he played a career-high 44 defensive snaps before entering the transfer portal and committing to UConn.
At UConn, Mickens brings valuable experience and coaching connections. Despite limited playing time at Ohio State, he will contribute to the Huskies' defense, which is building on back-to-back 9-4 seasons. His role as a pass-rush specialist and the impact of his coaching connections will be significant.
SAF CODY HADDAD - IOWA
Cody Haddad, a three-star prospect, committed to Ohio State but faced an uphill battle due to a loaded safety room. He redshirted as a freshman and entered the transfer portal, committing to Iowa.
In Iowa City, Haddad's path to regular playing time is challenging. Former James Madison safety Tyler Brown, with two years of experience, is expected to start alongside senior Zach Lutmer. Haddad will feature on special teams and in a depth role, competing for a spot on defense in 2026.
SAF FAHEEM DELANE - LSU
Faheem Delane, a four-star prospect, generated excitement at Ohio State but struggled to secure playing time. With limited opportunities, he entered the transfer portal and committed to LSU, where his brother, Mansoor, played.
At LSU, Delane's versatility and potential impact are evident. He can play safety or nickel, and his spring practice performance is impressive. With limited depth in the secondary, Delane's role as a backup is crucial, providing a clearer path to playing time than at Ohio State.
DL ERIC MENSAH - VIRGINIA TECH
Eric Mensah, a three-star prospect, struggled to earn meaningful playing time at Ohio State. After a two-season stint, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Virginia Tech, returning to his home state.
Mensah's potential impact at Virginia Tech is promising. He demonstrated his ability in the spring, recording 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup. While he may not start, he will compete for playing time and contribute to the defensive tackle rotation.
SAF MALIK HARTFORD - UCLA
Malik Hartford, a four-star prospect, served as a backup at Ohio State but played only 38 defensive snaps. After a season of limited playing time, he entered the transfer portal and committed to UCLA.
In Los Angeles, Hartford's potential impact is evident. He will continue to compete for a starting role in a deep and talented safety room. His ability to play at a high level remains, and he will be a key contributor on special teams.
DL JARQUEZ CARTER - MAIMI
Jarquez Carter, a three-star prospect, struggled to make meaningful contributions at Ohio State. After a single season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Miami, returning to his home state.
At Miami, Carter's potential impact is promising. The Hurricanes retooled their defensive line, and Carter's work ethic and adaptation to a new system are praised. He will contribute to a rotation on the defensive line behind more experienced players.
SAF KEENAN NELSON JR. - GEORGIA STATE
Keenan Nelson Jr., a transfer from South Carolina, saw limited special teams action at Ohio State. After a second year, he entered the transfer portal and moved to the FBS level, committing to Georgia State.
Nelson's potential impact at Georgia State is uncertain. With limited playing time and a combined 32 games over four seasons, his best opportunity to play might not be at the highest level. His role on the defense is yet to be determined.
DL MAXWELL ROY - UCLA
Maxwell Roy, a four-star prospect, did not see the field during his freshman season at Ohio State and took a redshirt year. With limited opportunities, he entered the transfer portal and committed to UCLA.
At UCLA, Roy's potential impact is uncertain. He is projected as a reserve defensive lineman, but his improvement and remaining eligibility offer optimism. His role in short-yardage packages is a possibility.
CB AARON SCOTT JR. - OREGON
Aaron Scott Jr., a talented cornerback from Ohio, struggled to secure playing time at Ohio State. Behind Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Oregon.
In Eugene, Scott's potential impact is uncertain. He faces competition from a strong cornerback room and speculation about a move to safety. His role as a third or fourth corner is likely, and his performance against Oregon receiver Evan Stewart in the spring game is notable.
CB BRYCE WEST - WISCONSIN
Bryce West, a talented cornerback from Ohio, struggled to get on the field at Ohio State. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Wisconsin, remaining in the Big Ten.
At Wisconsin, West's move appears strategic. He has made a strong early impression and is projected as the starting nickel in 2026. His versatility and competition with Geimere Latimer Jr. suggest a bright future for the Badgers.
DE LOGAN GEORGE - WASHINGTON
Logan George, a defensive end, transferred to Ohio State after a breakout at Idaho State. However, he struggled with injuries and limited playing time at the FBS level. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Washington.
In Seattle, George's potential impact is uncertain. Injuries have persisted, and he missed spring practice. His role with the Huskies is uncertain, but he aims to return healthy and compete for a spot in the defensive end rotation.
EDGE DOMINIC KIRKS - NORTHWESTERN
Dominic Kirks, a talented defensive lineman, struggled to make an impact at Ohio State. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Northwestern, seeking more playing time.
At Northwestern, Kirks' potential impact is promising. He competes with other defensive ends and aims to prove his worth in the Big Ten. His experience at Ohio State gives him an edge, but he must earn his role during fall camp.
