Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s roster has taken a large hit so far this portal season. Nowhere is that more evident than in the wide receiver room. However, the coaching staff has begun to stabilize the position following the departure of Carnell Tate to the NFL draft and the portal exits of Quincy Porter, Mylan Graham and Bryson Rodgers.
That reset began in earnest with the commitment of former UTSA wide receiver Devin McCuin, a proven playmaker who brings immediate experience, production and speed. McCuin arrives in Columbus after three productive seasons with the Roadrunners, totaling 152 receptions for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns, including 65 catches for 726 yards and eight scores in 2025 alone. At 6-foot, 195 pounds with verified 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash, McCuin adds a true vertical threat to an offense that will continue to be built around Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss. With one year of eligibility remaining, McCuin is a legitimate contender to step directly into the vacant starting role, though five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. will push hard for early playing time as well. The Buckeyes are not done at the position, either, having already hosted former Texas receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. as they evaluate further portal options.
McCuin is the fourth transfer addition for Ohio State’s 2026 class, joining UCF defensive tackle John Walker, Ohio tight end Mason Williams and UCF long snapper Dalton Riggs, but the roster turnover has extended well beyond the receiver room. Offensive guard Jayvon McFadden, a four-star freshman from the 2025 class, entered the portal after redshirting his first season in Columbus, becoming the 20th scholarship player from last year’s roster to depart. His exit comes amid reshuffling along the offensive line, where Ohio State now projects Luke Montgomery, Joshua Padilla and Gabe VanSickle as key pieces for 2026 following Tegra Tshabola’s own portal decision, with the Buckeyes still open to upgrading the unit after late-season struggles.
On the defensive front, freshman defensive tackle Maxwell Roy became the 21st portal entrant and the fourth member of the 2025 class to leave after one season. While Roy’s departure adds to the turnover, Ohio State’s interior defensive line remains a position of strength and active pursuit. The Buckeyes return promising young tackles Jarquez Carter and Trajen Odom, welcome a three-man 2026 recruiting class in Jamir Perez, Emanuel Ruffin and Damari Simeon, and have already added Walker as a key portal piece. Looking ahead, Ohio State is positioning itself for potentially massive defensive upgrades, with visits scheduled from former Alabama standouts James Smith and Qua Russaw. Smith, the top-ranked interior defensive lineman in the 2026 portal, would be a transformative addition, while Russaw’s athleticism and versatility would significantly elevate the linebacker room. Their longstanding connection and history of making joint decisions only adds intrigue to their recruitment.
Taken together, the picture is clear: Ohio State is not simply reacting to roster movement — it is strategically reshaping its roster across every critical position group. The addition of McCuin stabilizes the wide receiver room, while the ongoing pursuit of elite portal talent in the trenches reinforces the Buckeyes’ commitment to remaining at the top of college football’s national landscape.
For anyone wanting to stay on top of every departure and arrival, The OHIO Podcast has a Transfer Portal Tracker so that no one will miss any players leaving or coming to Ohio State via the transfer portal in 2026. Just click on the Tracker above and you will be taken to the portal hub.
