As the college football regular season winds down, Ohio State football, like many other teams across the country, will be watching the transfer portal to see who will be on the move.
Some players have already submitted their names, while others are waiting for their seasons to play out before making a decision.
The Buckeyes have not seen many players leave, although that might change this offseason.
I want to preface this list by saying it is pure speculation, educated guesses about which Ohio State football players could be on the move after this season. Here is who I think could be looking for a new football home.
Quarterback Devin Brown
Why
It’s fairly obvious why Brown is a candidate. Kyle McCord won the job and hasn’t given the coaching staff any reason to change its mind. Yes, the Utah native got involved, but only as a short-yardage running quarterback. McCord will not leave for the NFL after this year, and it’s highly unlikely Brown will want to sit another season while waiting for his turn.
Running back Dallan Hayden
Why
It’s not a question of ability, Hayden has plenty of it. It’s about the coaching staff’s reluctance to play him. After a freshman season in which he rushed for 553 yards and 5 touchdowns on 111 carries, he has logged 12 touches this season.
The coaching staff wanted to redshirt him, and very well could have played Hayden in last week’s blowout. Is he being held back for the postseason? None of this makes sense to me, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Hayden leave for more playing time.
Wide receiver Jayden Ballard
Why
He has no catches on the year. Ballard sees some time on special teams, but that’s about it. True freshman Carnell Tate has been much more productive and you’d have to expect that Brandon Inniss will see the field more next season. Ballard could stay, given Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming should be leaving, but with another loaded recruiting class coming in, there might not be more playing time for him next year.
Safety Ja’Had Carter
Why
The former freshman All-American didn’t come to Ohio State to sit, but that is what he’s done. He suffered an injury against Penn State. Before that, his playing time probably wasn’t what he had hoped. Carter has seen multiple younger players jump him on the depth chart, and has seen the field rarely when healthy. I expected a much bigger role when he transferred from Syracuse, but his impact has been minimal.
Tight end Bennett Christian
Why
It’s going to be hard for the third-year player to crack the rotation next season, even with Cade Stover moving on to the NFL. Jelani Thurman looks to be a budding force, and Joe Royer returns with some experience. Christian was a very solid recruit, so if he does enter the portal, plenty of teams will be interested.
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