Ohio State Gets Major News in College Football Transfer Portal This Week

Ohio State University, a perennial powerhouse in college football, has made headlines this week in the college football transfer portal. As teams across the nation are navigating the complex landscape of player movement, Ohio State has secured key acquisitions and lost notable talent to rival programs. The transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across the country, and Ohio State’s latest moves are being closely watched by fans, analysts, and experts alike.

In this article, we will explore the significance of Ohio State’s moves in the transfer portal, analyze the players involved, and discuss the broader implications for the team’s 2025 season. We’ll also take a look at how the portal continues to influence college football at large and why it is such a game-changer for programs like Ohio State.

In recent years, the NCAA transfer portal has revolutionized college football. First introduced in 2018, the portal allows players to transfer to other programs without the need for permission from their current school. Since its inception, the transfer portal has only grown in size and importance. Every year, thousands of players enter the portal in search of new opportunities, and many schools have built their rosters with transfers as a critical piece of the puzzle.

For a program like Ohio State, the transfer portal is both an opportunity and a challenge. With an established reputation and a history of developing elite talent, Ohio State is often the beneficiary of high-profile transfers. At the same time, the program also faces the risk of losing key players to other schools, especially as the landscape of college football continues to evolve.

Ohio State made some significant moves in the transfer portal this week, bringing in a couple of highly regarded players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Additionally, the Buckeyes saw a few of their own players enter the portal, sparking curiosity about the future of the program.

One of the most exciting transfers to Ohio State this week is Jalen Smith, a wide receiver who previously played for Baylor University. Smith is a versatile wideout who has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Buckeyes’ offense. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, Smith brings a physical presence to Ohio State’s receiving corps. In his time at Baylor, Smith demonstrated impressive route-running ability, excellent hands, and the capacity to make explosive plays downfield.

Ohio State’s receiving unit, which is already one of the best in the nation, will now benefit from Smith’s size and experience. He will likely compete for a starting spot and could form a formidable duo with Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wide receivers in the country. Smith’s addition strengthens Ohio State’s depth at the position and gives quarterback Kyle McCord another dynamic weapon to work with.

Another notable addition to Ohio State’s roster is Marcus Johnson, a cornerback who transferred from Michigan State. Johnson, who spent two seasons with the Spartans, was known for his lockdown coverage and ability to create turnovers. Standing at 6’0″, he has the size and athleticism to excel in the Big Ten. Johnson has the ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage, making him a versatile piece for Ohio State’s defense.

Ohio State’s secondary has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, but the loss of cornerback Cameron Brown to the NFL meant that the Buckeyes needed to find a replacement. Johnson is expected to step into a starting role and help bolster a defensive unit that is already among the best in the country. With his ball skills and aggressive play style, Johnson could be a difference-maker for the Buckeyes in the secondary.

While Ohio State made some strong additions, they also saw a few players enter the transfer portal, raising questions about the team’s future.

Perhaps the most surprising move came from sophomore quarterback Devin Brown, who entered the transfer portal this week. Brown, a former top recruit, had been in a heated competition for the starting quarterback spot with Kyle McCord. However, with McCord’s strong performance in the spring practices and the impending start of the 2025 season, Brown may have felt that his opportunities were limited at Ohio State.

Brown’s decision to transfer is not necessarily an indication of dissatisfaction with the program but rather a reflection of the fierce competition at the quarterback position. He has plenty of talent and will likely find a new home at another power-five program that is in need of a starting quarterback. Brown’s departure does, however, leave Ohio State with fewer options under center, but with McCord and backup Tristan Gebbia remaining, the Buckeyes are still in good hands.

Another key player who entered the transfer portal was running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson, who had been one of Ohio State’s top playmakers in recent years, reportedly decided to explore his options after a decline in playing time in 2024. His departure marks a significant loss for the Buckeyes, as Henderson’s vision, speed, and agility had been major assets to the offense.

While Ohio State boasts a deep running back room, losing Henderson means that the team will need to rely on other backs like Miyan Williams and true freshman prospects to carry the load. The running back position will be a key area to watch as the Buckeyes adjust to Henderson’s departure and look to maintain their offensive balance.

The transfer portal additions and departures at Ohio State this week have wide-ranging implications for the team’s outlook in 2025. Let’s break down how these changes could affect the Buckeyes’ upcoming season.

With the addition of Jalen Smith, Ohio State’s offense becomes even more potent. While Marvin Harrison Jr. will likely be the focal point of the receiving corps, Smith’s presence gives the Buckeyes another reliable target capable of making big plays. His size and ability to stretch the field should provide quarterback Kyle McCord with additional options in the passing game.

Moreover, Ohio State’s offensive line remains one of the best in the country, providing McCord and running backs plenty of time and space. With Smith joining an already stacked receiving group, the Buckeyes’ offense should remain one of the most dangerous in college football in 2025.

On the defensive side, the acquisition of Marcus Johnson at cornerback adds much-needed depth and talent to Ohio State’s secondary. The Buckeyes have produced several NFL-caliber defensive backs in recent years, and Johnson has the potential to continue that tradition. His ability to cover top receivers in the Big Ten will be invaluable, and he should form a solid partnership with returning players in the secondary.

Ohio State’s defense, led by head coach Ryan Day’s defensive coordinator, will continue to be one of the program’s strengths. With a talent-rich defensive line and a secondary that is getting stronger, the Buckeyes’ defense should be well-equipped to compete for a College Football Playoff berth.

While losing TreVeyon Henderson and Devin Brown hurts, Ohio State is not left scrambling for replacements. The running back room, although somewhat depleted, still features capable backs, and the competition for the starting role will only make the group stronger. Additionally, quarterback Kyle McCord is poised to lead the offense and has shown significant growth over the past year.

Ohio State’s coaching staff will need to find ways to replace Henderson’s explosiveness, but they have plenty of talent and options available to them. Whether it’s Miyan Williams or a freshman stepping up, the Buckeyes’ rushing attack should continue to be a key part of the offense.

Ohio State’s recent moves in the transfer portal are part of a broader trend that is reshaping college football. The transfer portal has introduced a level of unpredictability and fluidity to roster construction, as teams can now plug gaps in their rosters with immediate-impact players. Programs that are able to effectively navigate the transfer portal are often the ones that stay competitive year after year.

For Ohio State, the transfer portal is a crucial tool in maintaining their elite status. The program’s ability to attract top talent from other schools, combined with its strong recruiting pipeline, gives them a significant advantage over many of their rivals. However, the portal is a double-edged sword, as it also creates the risk of losing key players to competing programs.

Ohio State’s activity in the transfer portal this week has strengthened the program in several key areas. The addition of Jalen Smith at wide receiver and Marcus Johnson at cornerback gives the Buckeyes depth and experience at crucial positions. Although losing TreVeyon Henderson and Devin Brown is disappointing, Ohio State remains well-positioned for the 2025 season.

As the transfer portal continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to play a critical role in shaping the landscape of college football. Ohio State’s ability to leverage the portal effectively will be key to maintaining its place as one of the nation’s elite programs. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Ohio State fans have plenty to be excited about, as the Buckeyes look to compete for another national championship.