Eric Boggs
For Ohio State fans, the offseason brings a mix of farewells and fresh beginnings. Mitchell Melton, a sixth-year defensive end who battled through injuries to carve out a role on the Buckeyes’ defense, has opted to seek new opportunities by entering the transfer portal. Meanwhile, Ty Howard, a standout linebacker from Duquesne, brings his playmaking abilities to Columbus, joining the scarlet and gray as the latest addition to the linebacker corps.
Melton’s Ohio State journey has been one of resilience. Initially recruited as a linebacker, he transitioned to defensive end after missing both the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to injuries. Over the past two years, Melton served as a rotational piece on the Buckeyes’ defensive line, recording 15 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Despite his determination, the depth of Ohio State’s defensive end room likely meant Melton would have remained in a backup role for the 2025 season. With talents like Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Caden Curry, and incoming Idaho State transfer Logan George poised to take on larger roles, Melton chose to explore new horizons for his final year of eligibility.
As Melton departs, his absence closes a chapter for Ohio State’s 2020 recruiting class, which will no longer have any remaining members on the roster next season. Players like Gee Scott Jr., Josh Fryar, Ty Hamilton, Cody Simon, and Lathan Ransom will all exhaust their eligibility at the end of this campaign, leaving fans to reflect on the contributions of that class as the team ushers in a new era.
Enter Ty Howard, a first-team All-NEC linebacker from Duquesne, who announced his arrival at Ohio State with an impressive résumé. In just nine games during the 2024 season, Howard recorded 52 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. His knack for takeaways, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown, makes him a valuable addition to the Buckeyes’ defense. Howard, the older brother of incoming freshman running back Bo Jackson, wasted no time settling into his new home, arriving in Columbus alongside his brother as a midyear enrollee.
While Ohio State has yet to officially confirm Howard’s signing, his former coach, Jeff Rotsky, revealed that the Buckeyes are awarding Howard a scholarship. With expanded roster rules in 2025 allowing up to 105 scholarship players, Howard provides immediate depth to a linebacker unit led by projected starters Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. Fresh faces like Payton Pierce, Garrett Stover, and other talented freshmen will bolster the competition, while the versatile C.J. Hicks remains a potential wild card, capable of contributing as a linebacker or edge rusher if defensive coordinator Jim Knowles reintroduces the Jack position.
For Buckeye Nation, the narrative of departures and arrivals is a constant reminder of the program’s ability to evolve. Mitchell Melton leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and grit, while Ty Howard arrives with the promise of playmaking potential. As one door closes and another opens, the spirit of Ohio State football endures, fueled by a tradition of excellence and an unyielding drive for success.
