Eric Boggs
After a turbulent offseason that has tested Ohio State’s roster stability and Buckeye fan’s patience, the Buckeyes continued to show a clear plan for restoring balance by leaning into experience. Recent transfer portal additions at kicker, cornerback and running back may not carry the headline buzz of five-star recruits, but from an Ohio State fan’s perspective, these moves reflect smart roster management and a commitment to building a 2026 team that is deeper, steadier and more prepared for the grind of a Big Ten season.
Special teams stability arrived first with the commitment of former Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins. With Jayden Fielding graduating and Jackson Courville transferring to Tulane, Ohio State suddenly found itself without a kicker on the roster, making Hawkins’ addition both timely and essential. As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Hawkins connected on 18 of 22 field goal attempts, showing reliability from short range and legitimate power from distance, including a long of 54 yards. Perfect inside 40 yards and effective from beyond 50, Hawkins steps into Columbus as the presumptive option for all kicking duties in 2026. While competition may still be added, Ohio State fans can appreciate the immediate calm his presence brings to a position that can quietly swing close games.
The Buckeyes also continued to fortify a secondary that had been thinned by transfer portal attrition. Former Alabama, Utah and Michigan cornerback Cam Calhoun committed to Ohio State, bringing two years of eligibility and valuable experience across multiple high-level programs. Calhoun’s journey has been unconventional, but his production at Utah stands out. In pass coverage, he limited quarterbacks to under 50 percent completions and allowed just 5.4 yards per target, numbers that reflect legitimate lockdown ability. While he never cracked Alabama’s starting lineup, his experience on special teams and in rotational roles fits exactly what Ohio State needs behind projected starters Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez. For a defense that suddenly lacked proven depth at corner, Calhoun represents insurance, flexibility and competence in sub-packages, all things Ohio State fans know are critical late in the season.
Offensively, Ohio State addressed another looming concern by adding former Florida running back Ja’Kobi Jackson. A seventh-year senior, Jackson brings a level of maturity and experience that was missing from the backfield after multiple departures. His production at Florida, particularly during the 2024 season when he served as the Gators’ No. 2 back, shows he can handle meaningful carries when called upon. Injuries slowed his 2025 campaign, but when healthy, Jackson offers size, toughness and a veteran presence that complements the youth of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. With CJ Donaldson out of eligibility and additional backs leaving via the portal, this move helps ensure Ohio State isn’t forced to rely too heavily on underclassmen.
Taken together, these additions may not dominate offseason headlines, but they address real needs. Ohio State transfer portal depth has been a concern throughout the cycle, and these moves directly respond to that issue. By targeting experienced players who can fill gaps, provide leadership and stabilize position rooms, the Buckeyes are quietly constructing a roster that looks far more complete than it did just weeks ago.
For Ohio State fans, this is what a measured response looks like. Not panic, not patchwork fixes, but deliberate additions that strengthen the foundation of the 2026 team. Championships are not built solely on star power; they are sustained by depth, reliability and experience, and Ohio State is clearly working to restore all three.
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.
