Eric Boggs
From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, the early picture of the 2026 roster is one of continued retooling, with impactful additions, understandable departures, and the kind of movement that now defines modern college football.
The most significant development is the addition of defensive tackle John Walker, who committed to Ohio State after three seasons at UCF. Walker arrives in Columbus as a proven Power Four interior defender with two years of eligibility and real upside. Once the highest-rated recruit in UCF history as part of the 2023 class, Walker brings both pedigree and production. After contributing as a freshman and missing 2024 with a leg injury, he rebounded strongly in 2025, leading the Knights as their top run defender per Pro Football Focus and earning an 82.9 run-defense grade. His physical presence and experience immediately deepen a defensive tackle room that already features Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore, Eric Mensah, Jarquez Carter, Trajen Odom and Maxwell Roy, with Kayden McDonald’s NFL decision still pending. Combined with the 2026 signees Jamir Perez, Emanuel Ruffin and Damari Simeon, Walker’s arrival gives Ohio State exactly what championship programs need inside: depth, competition and flexibility.
At the same time, the Buckeyes saw Bryce West choose a new path, as the former Ohio State cornerback transferred to Wisconsin. A four-star Cleveland Glenville product and top-100 national recruit in 2024, West cracked the Buckeyes’ two-deep in 2025 and contributed meaningful snaps, including time as the No. 2 nickel. His decision to reunite with Luke Fickell in Madison reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where opportunity, fit and program direction matter as much as depth charts. From an Ohio State standpoint, West’s development will be watched closely, but his departure also reflects the program’s increasing competition in a defensive back room stacked with elite young talent.
Meanwhile, Justin Terry entered the transfer portal for the second straight year, closing his Ohio State chapter after one season. The Pickerington native served as a valuable depth piece on the offensive line, logging 57 snaps in 2025 and providing flexibility in short-yardage packages. With multiple tackles ahead of him on the depth chart and three years of eligibility remaining, Terry’s decision to seek a new opportunity makes sense. His exit, alongside the departures of Tegra Tshabola, Devontae Armstrong and Isaiah Kema, underscores just how fluid offensive line rooms have become across the country.
Altogether, these moves reflect a program actively shaping its 2026 identity. Ohio State adds immediate help where it matters most up front, maintains elite competition across the roster, and continues navigating the realities of the portal era. For Buckeye fans, the big picture remains encouraging: talent continues to flow in, development remains strong, and the foundation for another championship push is being carefully constructed.
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.
