Eric Boggs
As the spring transfer portal window officially slammed shut, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day could finally exhale — and maybe even crack open that celebratory cold one he mentioned in a recent ESPN radio interview. The Buckeyes navigated the treacherous waters of the spring portal period without losing a single scholarship athlete, a rare feat in today’s ever-fluid college football landscape. That outcome speaks volumes about the current state of the program and highlights three core reasons why Ohio State remains one of the most stable and appealing destinations in the country for elite talent.
First and foremost, the culture in Columbus is as strong as it’s ever been. Day has spent six seasons painstakingly shaping the foundation of this program, and now he’s reaping the rewards. Players speak openly and passionately about the brotherhood inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. They lean on one another, talk about faith, and buy into something that goes beyond the wins and losses. While other high-profile programs like Georgia grapple with off-field discipline issues, Ohio State continues to quietly build a culture of unity, accountability, and mutual respect. That’s not just lip service — it’s winning results both on the field and in the character of the young men wearing scarlet and gray.
It’s also important to understand that today’s athletes are making more informed decisions than ever before. The transfer portal may still feel new to fans, but players and programs have been navigating it long enough now to understand its deeper implications. There’s data — and plenty of it — showing that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Players who leap without a landing spot often find themselves without a team or stuck in a worse situation. Big names like Nico Iamaleava learned that lesson firsthand this spring, taking a $500,000 NIL pay cut after transferring. In contrast, Ohio State athletes benefit from stability, national visibility, and long-term value — not just NIL money, but a future buoyed by one of the strongest alumni networks in the nation. The program offers life beyond football, which matters deeply to players and their families alike.
Finally, the timing of portal windows matters — and the winter transfer period has proven to be a more appealing option. A number of Buckeyes, including former quarterback Devin Brown and wide receiver Jaden Ballard, entered the portal in the winter window. That earlier departure allows players to integrate into new programs in time for spring ball, giving them a full offseason to learn schemes, build chemistry, and earn starting roles. Spring transfers, by comparison, are often playing catch-up. This reality has shifted the calculus for many athletes and left the spring portal period relatively quiet in Columbus.
Of course, not every player stayed. Fan favorite TC Caffey, a walk-on running back recovering from injury, chose to explore other opportunities where he could potentially earn a scholarship and more playing time — possibly at a MAC or Group of Five school. But his departure, while notable emotionally, doesn’t change the bigger picture: Ohio State’s scholarship roster remained fully intact this spring, a feat few other programs can claim.
Ryan Day and the Buckeyes aren’t just surviving the modern era of college football — they’re thriving in it. Culture, data, and strategic awareness have kept this roster loaded with elite talent, poised for another title run, and firmly committed to something bigger than themselves. As the Buckeyes look ahead to the 2025 season, the stability and strength of the program make one thing clear: the foundation in Columbus is not only solid, it’s championship-caliber.
