CJ Hicks

As Ohio State turns the page from a championship run that fell short on New Year’s Eve night and begins shaping its roster for 2026, the program is experiencing the now-familiar wave of transfer portal movement. From a fan’s perspective, these departures are bittersweet, but they also reflect the depth and competitiveness that define the Buckeyes.

Running back James Peoples became one of the most notable names to enter the portal after two seasons in Columbus. Once viewed as the frontrunner to replace TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins as Ohio State’s feature back, Peoples saw his role diminish as the 2025 season progressed. He finished the year as RB4 after being passed by Bo Jackson, CJ Donaldson and Isaiah West, closing the season with 61 carries for 344 yards and three touchdowns. Still, his highlight-reel hurdle and two-touchdown performance against UCLA remain a signature Buckeye moment. In two seasons, Peoples totaled 110 carries for 541 yards and five touchdowns while adding 11 receptions, and he leaves with the respect of Buckeye Nation as he searches for a new opportunity.

Running back Sam Dixon will also seek a new home for the second time in two years. Despite flashes in limited action and three years of eligibility remaining, Dixon found himself buried on the depth chart even after Henderson and Judkins departed for the NFL. He leaves Columbus with gratitude for his time and a desire to finally find consistent carries elsewhere.

Wide receiver Damarion Witten also entered the portal after two seasons with the program. The former four-star prospect from Glenville High School was originally recruited as a tight end before transitioning to receiver, but he was never able to climb the depth chart. His departure, along with earlier portal entries from Bryson Rodgers and others, underscores how unforgiving competition can be in Ohio State’s receiver room.

Perhaps the most impactful development came at quarterback, where Lincoln Kienholz announced his decision to transfer in search of a starting opportunity. A highly accomplished high school athlete and steady presence in the program, Kienholz found himself blocked by Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and the emergence of Tavien St. Clair. His departure clarifies the Buckeyes’ quarterback timeline, with St. Clair set as the 2026 backup and likely successor in 2027, while Ryan Day may once again dip into the portal for experienced depth.

The defensive side of the ball has seen its own shakeup. Former five-star linebacker C.J. Hicks, once the crown jewel of the 2022 class, officially entered the portal after four seasons. Despite flashes of potential and a position change to defensive end in hopes of carving out a role, Hicks never found consistent playing time behind a loaded depth chart. His parting words reflected maturity and growth, and Buckeye fans will always appreciate the perseverance he showed in scarlet and gray. Shortly after his announcement, defensive ends Dominic Kirks and Logan George followed suit. Kirks, an Ohio native and former four-star recruit, and George, an FCS standout at Idaho State before transferring in, both faced a crowded edge rotation that offered no clear path forward for 2026.

The secondary is not immune to change either. Nickel back Bryce West, another Glenville product and four-star prospect, entered the portal after seeing rotational snaps in 2025. With Lorenzo Styles Jr. out of eligibility, Ohio State’s coaching staff now faces important decisions about the nickel role for 2026, with internal options and potential portal additions both on the table.

Altogether, these departures mark a significant transition point for Ohio State as it balances elite recruiting, player development and the realities of the modern transfer portal era. For Buckeye fans, the movement is both a reminder of how competitive this program remains and a preview of the fresh faces who will soon take their place.

And 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.