Eric Boggs
Ohio State Football continues to experience notable roster turnover as the transfer portal remains active. The Buckeyes recently saw another departure from the offensive line, with George Fitzpatrick entering the portal on Saturday. Fitzpatrick’s decision makes him the third Ohio State offensive lineman to seek new opportunities since the end of the regular season, following Zen Michalski, who has committed to Indiana, and Miles Walker, who has transferred to Boise State.
Fitzpatrick, a three-year Buckeye, was recruited as an offensive tackle but saw limited action during his tenure, primarily as a backup guard in Ohio State’s first two College Football Playoff games. Despite his versatility, the addition of transfer tackles Ethan Onianwa and Phillip Daniels likely diminished Fitzpatrick’s prospects of earning a starting role next season. Both Onianwa and Daniels are poised to step into key roles as Ohio State’s starting tackles, particularly with the expected departures of Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar after this season. Fitzpatrick will bring two years of eligibility to his next destination, where he aims to carve out a more prominent role.
The loss of Fitzpatrick, combined with the departures of Michalski and Walker, leaves Ohio State’s offensive line depth at tackle somewhat thin. Ian Moore and Deontae Armstrong are now the only returning linemen who have primarily played tackle for the Buckeyes, though Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery have experience at the position. Additionally, incoming freshmen Jayvon McFadden and Carter Lowe could provide further depth. Still, this trio of transfers might prompt the Buckeyes to consider adding another transfer tackle for depth and competition.
In other transfer news, former Ohio State safety Jayden Bonsu has committed to Pittsburgh. Bonsu, a four-star recruit out of high school, spent two years with the Buckeyes but did not see the field during his time in Columbus. He will bring three years of eligibility to the Panthers as he seeks to jumpstart his college football career.
Bonsu’s transfer makes him the sixth Ohio State player to find a new home since the regular season concluded. Other recent departures include wide receiver Jayden Ballard, who will suit up for Wisconsin, linebacker Gabe Powers, who’s heading to Kansas State, and quarterback Air Noland, now with South Carolina. Meanwhile, quarterback Devin Brown and wide receiver Kojo Antwi remain in the transfer portal and are expected to leave after the Buckeyes’ current College Football Playoff run.
While roster churn is an inevitable part of modern college football, Ohio State fans can remain optimistic about the team’s ability to retool through a combination of high-level recruiting and strategic use of the portal. The Buckeyes’ focus will remain on building depth, fostering competition, and maintaining the program’s standard of excellence as they look ahead to the upcoming season.
