The transfer portal has transformed college football, and few programs felt its force more sharply than Ohio State after the 2025 season. Following a 12-2 campaign that ended with a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl, the Buckeyes saw a record wave of departures. Roughly 31 to 36 scholarship players entered the portal in January 2026, forcing head coach Ryan Day and his staff into one of the busiest roster overhauls in program history.
Ohio State responded by signing 16 or 17 transfers—the most in school history—while also bringing in a strong freshman class. As fall camp rolls on in mid-August 2026 and the season opener against Ball State approaches on September 5, those portal additions are expected to play immediate roles. The moves address depth at running back, wide receiver, the defensive line, and the secondary while injecting experience into a roster still stacked with high-end talent.
This article breaks down the latest player and team updates, key statistics, players to watch, expert analysis, and what it all means for the Buckeyes’ 2026 hopes.
Latest Player and Team Updates from the Ohio State Transfer Portal
Ohio State’s portal activity peaked during the single January window (January 2-16, 2026), with players able to commit afterward. On the outbound side, the losses were widespread. Running back James Peoples headed to Penn State. Edge rusher C.J. Hicks landed at South Florida. Several wide receivers, including Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter (both to Notre Dame) and Bryson Rodgers (to USF), sought more playing time elsewhere. Offensive linemen, defensive tackles, and defensive backs also left in significant numbers. The attrition reflected both NFL departures and the modern reality that depth players can chase opportunities and NIL deals more freely.
Inbound, the Buckeyes prioritized experience and production. Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson arrived from Florida after a medical hardship waiver granted him a seventh year of eligibility. Wide receiver Devin McCuin came from UTSA with a proven track record. Tight end Mason Williams transferred from Ohio University, continuing a recent pipeline from Athens. Defensive tackle James Smith and edge Qua Russaw joined from Alabama. Safety Earl Little Jr. arrived from Florida State, and cornerback Dominick Kelly came from Georgia. Additional additions included wide receiver Kyle Parker (LSU), defensive tackle John Walker (UCF), linebacker Christian Alliegro (Wisconsin), and others such as kicker Connor Hawkins and long snapper Dalton Riggs.
By late January the portal work was largely complete, leaving Ohio State with around 88 scholarship players. Preseason camp reports in August 2026 have highlighted several transfers adapting quickly. Jackson became the first newcomer to shed his black stripe, a symbolic step in Buckeye culture. McCuin has stood out in practices with his speed and catch radius. The defensive line additions have brought physicality as the unit replaces key NFL-bound contributors.
Team-wise, the Buckeyes return core pieces on offense, including quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The portal moves primarily plugged holes created by departures and provided veteran depth rather than overhauling the starting lineup wholesale.
2026 Season Outlook and Early Match Preview Context
Ohio State opens the 2026 season at home against Ball State on September 5, followed by a tough road test at Texas on September 12 and a home game versus Kent State. Big Ten play features home contests against Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Northwestern, and Michigan, with road trips to Iowa, Indiana, USC, and Nebraska.
While no games have been played yet, the portal impact will be felt early. The running back room features a competition that includes Jackson alongside returning talent such as Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. Receivers McCuin and Parker should see snaps in a group looking to replace production lost to the NFL and portal. On defense, the interior line and secondary transfers will be tested quickly against an improved non-conference slate and a competitive Big Ten.
The Buckeyes enter with high expectations. Preseason accolades for returning stars underscore the talent base, but the portal class will determine whether depth holds up through a demanding schedule.
Key Statistics from the Portal Class
The numbers illustrate both the scale of change and the quality of arrivals.
Ohio State lost the equivalent of nearly an entire recruiting class to the portal plus NFL early entries. On the addition side, McCuin arrives with 152 career receptions for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns at UTSA, including 65 catches for 726 yards and eight scores in 2025. Jackson brings production from Florida (509 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2024) after earlier success at the junior college level.
Defensively, Earl Little Jr. earned second-team All-ACC honors at Florida State. James Smith and John Walker add size and experience to a defensive line that needed interior help after Kayden McDonald’s departure. The overall portal haul emphasized players with remaining eligibility and proven college production rather than pure upside projects.
Roster composition after the portal closed showed Ohio State maintaining roughly 88 scholarship players despite heavy attrition, a testament to efficient recruiting on both the high school and transfer fronts.
Players to Watch from the Ohio State Transfer Portal
Several transfers stand out as potential difference-makers in 2026.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, Running Back: The seventh-year senior from Florida provides veteran presence in a young backfield. Camp reports have praised his vision, pass protection, and ability to contribute on screens and check-downs. He has already earned the black stripe removal, signaling early buy-in. Expect him to rotate heavily and provide a physical, experienced option.
Devin McCuin, Wide Receiver: The UTSA product brings elite speed (timed in the 4.3 range in high school) and reliable hands. With 16 career touchdowns, he fits as a vertical threat and yards-after-catch specialist opposite Jeremiah Smith. New receivers coach Cortez Hankton has spoken highly of his coachability and explosiveness. McCuin is a strong candidate for significant snaps, particularly in the slot or as a Z receiver.
James Smith and John Walker, Defensive Tackles: These interior additions address a clear need. Smith, from Alabama, has worked toward a nose tackle role. Walker, the 6-foot-4, 324-pound former UCF standout, offers immediate run-stopping ability. Both are projected for heavy rotational roles.
Earl Little Jr., Safety: The Florida State transfer brings production and flexibility. He is expected to help fill the void left by All-American Caleb Downs and could start or play extensively in the secondary.
Others worth monitoring include tight end Mason Williams for his blocking and receiving, cornerback Dominick Kelly for coverage skills, and edge Qua Russaw for pass-rush potential.
Expert Analysis: Balancing Attrition with Opportunity
Ryan Day’s staff approached the portal with a clear philosophy: add experience where the high school pipeline needed reinforcement while protecting the development of young stars. The volume of departures raised concerns about depth, particularly after so many players sought opportunities elsewhere. Yet the quality of the incoming class has tempered those worries.
Analysts note that Ohio State retained most of its key offensive starters and used the portal surgically on defense and at skill positions hit hardest by exits. The emphasis on older, productive transfers (several seventh-year or multi-year college veterans) aims to stabilize the roster during a transition year. Culture fit has also been a theme; black stripe removals and positive camp feedback suggest the new players are integrating well.
Challenges remain. Integrating 16-plus new faces requires strong coaching and leadership. The defensive line and secondary must gel quickly against early tough tests. Offensively, the running back and receiver rooms need clear hierarchies to avoid committee confusion.
Overall, the consensus is optimistic. The portal class gives Ohio State the pieces to remain a national contender. If the transfers deliver the expected immediate impact, the Buckeyes should field one of the deeper and more experienced rosters in the Big Ten.
FAQs
1. How many players did Ohio State lose and gain in the 2026 transfer portal?
Ohio State saw 31 to 36 scholarship players enter the portal. The program signed 16 or 17 transfers, the highest total in school history at the time.
2. Who are the most impactful incoming transfers?
Ja’Kobi Jackson (RB from Florida), Devin McCuin (WR from UTSA), James Smith (DT from Alabama), Earl Little Jr. (S from Florida State), and John Walker (DT from UCF) are widely viewed as high-impact additions.
3. When did the transfer portal window open and close for 2026?
The single window ran from January 2 to January 16, 2026. Players could still commit and enroll after the window closed if they had entered before the deadline.
4. How has the portal affected Ohio State’s 2026 roster depth?
Despite heavy losses, the Buckeyes maintained approximately 88 scholarship players by pairing the transfer class with a large freshman group. Depth improved at several positions that had been thinned by departures and NFL exits.
5. Will the transfers start or primarily provide depth in 2026?
Several are expected to compete for starting roles or heavy rotational snaps, especially on the defensive line, at safety, and in the skill positions. Others will serve as experienced depth behind returning starters.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ohio State transfer portal cycle tested the program’s adaptability like never before. A record number of departures forced rapid roster reconstruction, yet Ryan Day’s staff delivered a targeted and high-quality incoming class. Players such as Ja’Kobi Jackson, Devin McCuin, James Smith, and Earl Little Jr. arrive with production, experience, and the potential to contribute from Week 1.
