Eric Boggs
Ohio State recently welcomed a new addition to its punting squad. Anthony Venneri, the former starting punter at Buffalo for the last couple of years, has decided to join Ohio State as a preferred walk-on.
Venneri showcased his skills at Buffalo, boasting an impressive average punt distance of 43.96 yards in 2023, which ranked him 30th in the FBS. Interestingly, this put him just ahead of Jesse Mirco, a former Ohio State punter who moved to Vanderbilt earlier this year. Venneri had already set a high standard for himself by breaking his own school record for punting average in 2022, earning recognition as a Freshman All-American from the FWAA.
Coming from Hamilton, Ontario, Venneri stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 225 pounds. He brings with him two years of eligibility to Ohio State, adding depth to the team.
With Venneri’s arrival, the competition for the starting punter position at Ohio State intensifies. Alongside Venneri, there are two other contenders vying for the role: redshirt freshman Joe McGuire and incoming freshman Nick McLarty, who holds the sole scholarship for punting on the team. Venneri holds an advantage in experience over his competitors, as neither McLarty nor McGuire has yet to punt in a collegiate game.
