Buckeyes’ Lost Recruits: Where Are They Today?
Over the last few seasons, Ohio State’s roster depth has pushed nine promising 2023 recruits into the transfer portal. This roundup follows their journeys from Columbus to new programs—from Cedrick Hawkins earning playing time at South Florida to Malik Hartford gearing up at UCLA, Bryson Rodgers reconnecting with Brian Hartline at USF, and standout Noah Rogers landing at Alabama. Lincoln Kienholz seeks a starting role at Louisville, while others like Calvin Simpson-Hunt, Jelani Thurman, Joshua Mickens, and Nigel Glover chase opportunity at Baylor, North Carolina, UConn, and Northwestern. Each profile includes stats, roster listings, and outlooks for 2026, illustrating how the portal can turn benchwarmers into breakout stars.
In Columbus, they say depth is destiny—until you realize the Buckeyes’ depth chart is really a black hole. These nine gladiators-in-waiting mastered the art of strategic vanishing, surfing the NCAA’s transfer portal like it’s the latest craze in reality TV. One day you’re learning Coach Day’s secret hand signals, the next you’re starring in a new jersey cameo across the country. It’s less “Ohio State Football” and more “Find Your Real Home,” sponsored by mid-Atlantic regional conferences desperate for fresh highlight reels. Who knew that escaping OSU felt like unlocking the next level in college sports RPG?
Stop the Julian Sayin Panic Train
With kickoff in under a month, the call to curb overreactions about sophomore QB Julian Sayin is louder than ever. Last season he led Ohio State to a Cotton Bowl appearance and a 12-2 record; this offseason he’s bulked up to 215 pounds, synced timing with star receiver Jeremiah Smith, and welcomed new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Coach Ryan Day’s elite development camp and revamped playbooks aim to sharpen Sayin’s split-second decision-making. Fans are reminded that true evaluation requires live game action, beginning Sept. 5 against Ball State.
Hold the panic phone, Scarlet and Gray nation. Your favorite barista of doom is here to pour a double shot of reality into your waking nightmare. Sure, Sayin spent the spring bulking up and perfecting his stare-down with linebackers in practice drills, but let’s not declare a national crisis before the first snap. Imagine panicking over weightroom gains as if muscle mass automatically translates into Super Bowl rings. By Week One, if he still rocks helmet hair like a rebellious mullet and threads five passes through traffic, then perhaps we can unleash the alarms. Until then, breathe.
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