The college football transfer portal will officially reopen to all players on Monday, marking the beginning of a new wave of roster changes across the nation. The big question for Ohio State is whether they will be active in the portal. What positions or areas must they address as the Buckeyes look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season?

With potential changes to their lineup, they may focus on strengthening certain positions or adding depth where needed.

What Ohio State Football Might Need

It’s almost certain that Ohio State’s coaching staff will prioritize offensive linemen in the transfer portal, addressing one of the most significant gaps on their roster. The Buckeyes faced depth issues this past season, particularly after centre Seth McLaughlin and left tackle Josh Simmons were sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, Simmons forwent his remaining eligibility to enter the NFL draft, leaving even more questions about the offensive line.

Right guard Tegra Tshabola is likely the only returning starting offensive lineman from the unit that began the season in August. Ohio State will have significant rebuilding to do in the trenches. Strengthening the offensive line will be a top priority to ensure the Buckeyes can maintain their high-level performance.

Attrition is also expected on the defensive side of the ball, with eight of the 11 starters against Michigan being seniors with expiring eligibility. As a result, Ohio State will need to bring in fresh talent to replenish its defence and stay competitive at the highest level.

Special teams are another area that may require attention. After kicker Jayden Fielding missed field goals from 34 and 38 yards in the critical Michigan game, there may be a push to explore other options. The staff must evaluate whether to continue relying on Fielding or seek a new kicker to improve consistency in key moments.

Who Could Leave Ohio State?

At least three Ohio State players have announced their intention to enter the transfer portal. Wide receivers Kojo Antwi, Jayden Ballard, and linebacker Gabe Powers made their plans known this week. Given the ongoing changes in college football, it’s expected that more players will follow suit as the transfer portal remains a key factor in roster shifts. These shifts affect Ohio State Buckeyes Odds, as the team may need to adjust in key areas to remain competitive.

One position to keep a close eye on is quarterback, as Ohio State has a crowded quarterback room, even with Will Howard moving on. With only two years of eligibility remaining, backup quarterback Devin Brown may leave if he is not in line to take over for Howard. Similarly, Air Noland, who was behind the other four scholarship quarterbacks on the depth chart, could also look for a fresh start elsewhere.

The Buckeyes managed to keep all five quarterbacks through the spring window last April, but this may be an exception in today’s era of frequent player movement. With so much competition at the position, more shake ups could be on the horizon as Ohio State looks to solidify its quarterback depth.

How College Football Transfer Portal Works

Once a player decides to enter the transfer portal and notifies their university, the school has 48 hours to report this information to an online database that lists athletes seeking to continue their careers elsewhere. Other coaches can view the database in real time, as it is constantly updated, allowing them to recruit players right away.

Once the portal opens on Monday, it will remain open until December 28, giving players a 20-day window to submit their transfer notification to their school’s compliance staff. This time frame allows athletes to explore new opportunities while giving coaches ample time to evaluate potential program additions.

Transfer Portal Details

The NCAA winter transfer portal will open on Monday, December 9, and close on Saturday, December 28, for the 2024-25 school year. Players wishing to enter the portal must inform their university, which is then required to submit the required details within 48 hours.

The football transfer portal window has been reduced from 45 days to 30 days. This 30-day period will be divided into two segments: a 20-day window starting after the conference championship games in December, and a 10-day window in April. This change is designed to simplify the process and provide more structure for player movement throughout college football.

Another important question is: Can a player remain on the team while in the transfer portal? In certain circumstances, players who enter the transfer portal may remain with their current team for important games. For example, Teradja Mitchell entered the portal weeks before Ohio State faced Georgia in the 2022 semifinal, but he stayed with the team for the playoff. However, most players who enter the portal typically move on to new programs.

On Sunday, head coach Ryan Day stated that the Buckeyes would evaluate the participation of players who enter the portal in the playoff on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each situation is handled individually based on team needs and player circumstances.

Final Words

As the college football transfer portal reopens, Ohio State faces important decisions in shaping its roster for the upcoming season. With a focus on strengthening key areas like the offensive line and defence, the Buckeyes will need to address significant gaps and replace players with expiring eligibility. The team may also explore improvements in special teams, particularly with the kicking position.