The college football transfer portal is set to close, marking a challenging period for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who have experienced an unprecedented wave of player departures. As of now, a total of 33 players have entered the portal, a record for the program since the portal’s inception in 2018. This significant turnover poses critical questions regarding how Ohio State will address the loss of several high-profile athletes.
Key Departures Impacting the Buckeyes
Among the notable players leaving Ohio State is Brandon Porter, a five-star recruit ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to 247Sports. Porter, who only played five games for the Buckeyes in 2025, caught four passes for a total of 59 yards. His recent commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 6 means he will take four years of eligibility with him. This loss is particularly significant for Ohio State’s receiving corps, which has already seen Carnell Tate declare for the NFL Draft, alongside six other wide receivers entering the portal. With the roster thinning, Ohio State may face challenges in depth at the wide receiver position for the upcoming 2026 season.
The departure of George Tshabola also raises concerns about the offensive line. A former top-10 offensive tackle in the 2022 class, Tshabola started 29 games at right guard but struggled with consistency. He entered the portal on January 4 and has since committed to the Kentucky Wildcats. While Tshabola’s starting position was likely in jeopardy, his exit will still affect the overall strength of Ohio State’s offensive line. Gabe VanSickle and Joshua Padilla are poised to compete for the starting right guard role in 2026.
Another significant loss is Jaden Graham, who entered the portal shortly after Porter and has also committed to Notre Dame. Graham, a five-star recruit, played only 13 games during his tenure at Ohio State, catching six passes for 93 yards in 2025. His absence further depletes the Buckeyes’ receiving options, making it essential for younger players like Brandon Inniss and Chris Henry Jr. to step up in the upcoming season.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
On the defensive side, Caleb Scott, a highly-touted cornerback prospect and the top player in Ohio in the 2024 class, entered the portal on January 3. He is considering commitments to several programs, including LSU, Tennessee, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Scott’s potential departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding Ohio State’s secondary, particularly with veteran cornerback Davidson Igbinosun nearing the end of his eligibility and safety Caleb Downs declaring for the NFL Draft.
Lastly, the Buckeyes also lost running back Chip Peoples to Penn State on January 6. Peoples was expected to compete for a starting role after a promising two-year stint, during which he rushed for 541 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the presence of young talents like Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, the loss of Peoples will be felt in Ohio State’s backfield rotation.
As Ohio State navigates this substantial talent drain, the focus will be on how the program can effectively rebuild and prepare for the 2026 season. The upcoming months will be critical for the Buckeyes as they look to fill gaps left by these departures and maintain their competitive edge in college football.
