Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s triumph over Notre Dame in the national championship game on Monday was a testament to the Buckeyes’ depth and talent. However, following this monumental victory, reports emerged that changes are underway in the roster. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported Tuesday that cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt plans to enter the transfer portal. A standout recruit from Waxahachie, Texas, Simpson-Hunt was ranked as the No. 63 overall prospect and the No. 8 cornerback in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Originally committed to Texas Tech, Simpson-Hunt flipped to Ohio State in June 2022, a significant recruiting win for the Buckeyes.
Simpson-Hunt’s time in Columbus showcased glimpses of his potential. As a true freshman in 2023, he appeared in five games, logging 24 defensive snaps against Rutgers and Michigan State and contributing on special teams against Minnesota, Michigan, and Missouri. Notably, his participation in the Cotton Bowl allowed him to retain his redshirt eligibility. In his second season, competition for playing time intensified with Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, and fellow 2023 recruit Jermaine Mathews Jr. leading the depth chart. Simpson-Hunt made nine appearances in 2024 but recorded only six defensive snaps, all during Ohio State’s Week 2 win over Western Michigan. He concludes his Buckeye career with four tackles and the distinction of being part of a national championship team.
Simpson-Hunt’s decision marks the first departure from Ohio State’s roster following their title win. Joining him in seeking new opportunities is Mitchell Melton, a fifth-year defensive end who announced his transfer to Virginia. Melton, who entered the portal on January 5 but remained with the team throughout their College Football Playoff run, will have one year of eligibility left. Over the past two seasons, he played a rotational role, tallying 15 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and three sacks. Initially recruited as a linebacker, Melton transitioned to defensive end after injuries sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Despite contributing this season, Melton faced a challenging path to increased playing time in 2024. The emergence of Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry as likely starters, along with competition from transfer defensive end Logan George and linebacker C.J. Hicks, limited Melton’s prospects. Nevertheless, he departs Ohio State on a high note, having achieved the ultimate goal of a national championship. Both Simpson-Hunt and Melton embody the talent and competitive spirit that define Ohio State football, and their contributions will not be forgotten as they pursue new opportunities.
