Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

Most intriguing transfer portal options at wide receiver for Ohio State

We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position and then dove into the possible running backs, but now it is time to break down what the portal has in store for the wide receivers.

Despite not publicly declaring his intention, it appears likely that Marvin Harrison Jr. is out the door and Julian Fleming has entered the transfer portal. Emeka Egbuka has not announced his intentions yet but we can hope, right? It wouldn’t be a surprise if he took heads off to the riches of the NFL. So to summarize, there is a chance the Buckeyes lose all three of their starting receivers.

Carnell Tate and Jayden Ballard seem ready to take on larger roles, but this unit has some serious inexperience concerns. I understand Ohio State has a stable of five-star options at receiver, including the nation’s No. 1 recruit, Jeremiah Smith coming in, but I’m sure it would be more comforting for the coaching staff to add some experience through the portal and the following are five options that could be intriguing additions should there be a need.

5
Jyaire Shorter from Auburn

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Where things stand

You may have noticed that the photo above shows Jyaire Shorter playing for the Auburn Tigers and that is due to him not seeing much action for Auburn this season. Shorter only amassed one reception for the Tigers and is looking to make his seventh-year count. That’s right, 2024 will be Shorter’s seventh season playing college football.

Before Auburn, Shorter spent five seasons with the North Texas Mean Green and despite dealing with injuries, was very productive, leading the nation with 27.3 yards per catch in 2022. Shorter is a deep-threat guy who can provide a unique spark as well as needed experience to an Ohio State offense.

4
Jahmal Banks from Wake Forest

jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Where things stand

Another player with deep ball skills, Jahmal Brooks, was a key cog to the Demon Deacon offense with 59 receptions for 653 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Brooks was just as productive in 2022 with 42 receptions for 636 yards and nine touchdowns. He knows how to utilize his 6-foot-4 frame as evidenced by ranking fifth in the Power Five in 2022 with a contested catch rate of 58.6%. The Washington D.C. native currently has offers from Minnesota, Michigan and Notre Dame.

3
Beaux Collins from Clemson

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Where things stand

Beaux Collins spent his first three seasons with the Clemson Tigers and has a ton of experience playing in 32 games and starting in 27 of them. Collins has accumulated 91 receptions for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns. The former four-star recruit had a career year this season with 38 receptions for 51 yards. Another big target, Collins would add size to the Ohio State unit at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, but it appears they missed out as he has been rumored to commit to Notre Dame.

2
Ja'Corey Brooks from Alabama

Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Where things stand

Ja’Corey Brooks is a quality receiver with SEC starting experience. At 6-foor-2, 196 pounds, Brooks has the prototype body for a starting receiver. Brooks was a former five-star recruit who saw action immediately for the Crimson Tide on both offense and special teams. As a sophomore, Brooks was the third leading receiver on the team and this past season as a junior, Brooks dealt with a dip in production due to injuries. Brooks has committed to Louisville.

1
Mario Williams from USC

Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Where things stand

Mario Williams is an elite talent. USC was his second stop after spending his freshman season with the Oklahoma Sooners. He was productive during his two seasons as a Trojan and finished 2023 with 29 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns. The former four-star recruit can start for Ohio State.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.