Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes have recently witnessed significant movement within their football program as players seek new opportunities through the transfer portal. These departures reflect both the challenges of maintaining depth in a program teeming with talent and the inevitable reshuffling of roles as the team prepares for the future.
Wide receiver Kojo Antwi, the last remaining member of Ohio State’s 2022 wide receiver class, has officially signed with Colorado State. Over three seasons with the Buckeyes, Antwi appeared in 13 games and recorded one career reception, an eight-yard catch against Western Michigan earlier this season. A highly touted four-star recruit ranked as the No. 151 player nationally and the No. 26 wide receiver in his class, Antwi faced a crowded depth chart at Ohio State, with younger stars such as Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Bryson Rodgers emerging as key contributors. With another five-star talent, Mylan Graham, entering the fold, Antwi’s path to consistent playing time was limited. He now looks to carve out a larger role with the Rams, following his recruiting classmates Caleb Burton (Auburn), Kyion Grayes (Cal), and Kaleb Brown (UAB) in finding new homes.
On the defensive side, Ohio State recently fell short in its bid to bring in Damon Wilson, a five-star edge rusher and former Georgia Bulldog who had entered the transfer portal. Despite initial optimism, Wilson announced his commitment to Missouri, leaving the Buckeyes to regroup in their search for defensive reinforcements. Wilson’s addition would have been pivotal for the 2025 pass rush, particularly with the expected departures of stalwarts Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau after the national championship game.
Even without Wilson, the Buckeyes have a strong foundation for their defensive line. Rising stars Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry are poised to step into starting roles, while Idaho State transfer Logan George is expected to contribute significantly. Additionally, linebacker C.J. Hicks could make a full-time transition to a hybrid edge role if defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opts to reintroduce the Jack position into regular rotation. While the portal remains closed for most players, Ohio State could still explore options to bolster its edge depth from College Football Playoff semifinal teams.
Ohio State has already added six new players for the 2025 season through the transfer portal, including Logan George, offensive tackles Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa, linebacker Ty Howard, running back C.J. Donaldson Jr., and tight end Max Klare. These additions reflect the program’s proactive approach to addressing positional needs and building a competitive roster for the seasons ahead.
As a Buckeye fan, it’s always bittersweet to see players move on, especially those with high potential who faced fierce competition for playing time. Still, Ohio State remains a powerhouse that continues to develop talent and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
