Although Ohio State football signed just six transfer players during the first open window, the level of talent infused to the Buckeye program was elite.
Safety Caleb Downs, offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, and quarterback Julian Sayin (who didn’t speak) on Tuesday at a press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, all transferred from Alabama. Quarterback, Will Howard, joined the Buckeyes from Kansas State, running back, Quinshon Judkins, from Ole Miss, and tight end, Will Kacmarek, from Ohio also joined the former Crimson Tide players in Columbus.
Multiple clips and quotes were shared across social media and we did you a solid, many of them are right here. Check out some of the more interesting things that all the new Buckeyes had to say at a player availability event on Tuesday.
Caleb Downs on the Michigan rivalry
"I'm definitely hungry to beat Michigan"
Caleb Downs is new to the Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry but still is familiar with the Wolverines.
Downs played against Michigan in the Rose Bowl. pic.twitter.com/10dCfV85jj
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Hungry to beat Michigan, count me in.
Downs on this coming season
"I expect us to be better than last year, I expect us to be elite."
Caleb Downs has only been on roughly a week but his expectations for the Buckeye defense are incredibly high.
He said he picked Ohio State because he loves the program and coach Walton. pic.twitter.com/uaSCM8ovQu
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Downs expectations are to be elite, and with him joining the defense, it very well should be.
Seth McLaughlin on why he transferred to Ohio State
Seth McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State because of its championship pedigree. pic.twitter.com/q2UTA6LFTW
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Those are great reasons why to join Ohio State, and it appears McLaughin came to the right place.
Why McLaughlin entered the portal
Ohio State OL Seth McLaughlin on why he entered the transfer portal:
"I think, personally, I've always thrived off of change. I've played for three different offensive coordinators, I've played for three offensive line coaches, two strength staffs. …"
1/2 pic.twitter.com/fat9MxrD9Q
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Time and change will surely show, McLaughlin is used to it.
Downs on playing a lot during his true freshman season
Caleb Downs was a starting safety at Alabama as a true freshman. What prepared him for that?
"I don't wanna say I was built for this, but at the end of the day, I've been doing this since I was a kid."
Dawg mentality. pic.twitter.com/VLpiDx6nlV
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Not many prospects can jump from high school and be elite, but Downs falls into that category.
Will Howard impressed with freshman Jeremiah Smith
"He's a specimen, that man is a freak show when it comes to physical"
Will Howard is already impressed by freshman Jeremiah Smith.
He said coming to OSU with this stacked WR room makes his life easier. Their work ethic impresses him the most: pic.twitter.com/pyEtkfy9yD
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Not just Jeremiah Smith, Howard is impressed with the group of receivers that he will get to throw to this fall.
Why Howard chose to transfer to Ohio State
Asked why Ohio State quarterback Will Howard chose to be a Buckeye, he said that after a lot of asking why Ohio State, his decision became a simple question of “why not Ohio State?” pic.twitter.com/OybmAt7Ptg
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
An opportunity that Howard couldn’t pass up on, multiple reasons why he ultimately choose Ohio State.
Howard on his new offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien
Will Howard on new Ohio State OC Bill O’Brien: pic.twitter.com/CJO3Csd4ff
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
The experience factor with O’Brien is huge for Howard. He can learn a whole lot from the “players’ coach.”
Downs on his adjustment to Columbus
Got our first chance to chat with Alabama transfer Caleb Downs today. Here he is on adjusting to his new home at Ohio State and why he elected to transfer. pic.twitter.com/GUcTRSFQPt
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
The transition from Alabama to Columbus has been smooth for the elite safety.
Quinshon Judkins on his teammate TreVeyon Henderson
RB Quinshon Judkins on @TreVeyonH4 & Buckeye Nation. @TheFeverABC6 pic.twitter.com/2Vb9SBcghg
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Henderson didn’t factor much into his decision and Judkins loves the fans reactions so far.
Howard came close to declaring for NFL draft
Will Howard said that he came really close to declaring for the NFL Draft.
Instead, he said he "couldn't pass up an opportunity to try and bump [my stock] up and compete for a national championship." pic.twitter.com/qWl2yIvTzE
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
The NFL’s loss was Ohio State’s gain as Howard opted to stay in college for another season.
Will Kacmarek on getting playing time
Former @OhioBobcats TE Will Kacmarek among the quintet of transfers available today. pic.twitter.com/UCX0kIZaMD
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) January 30, 2024
Breakdown
Kacmarek is excited about the potential of playing time, and will work hard for it.
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