Will Ohio State Football Make Roster Moves in the Spring Transfer Portal Window?
The college football offseason is no longer a quiet period. Thanks to the transfer portal, the months between bowl games and preseason camps have become a time of significant roster reshuffling, particularly during the spring transfer window. For a program like Ohio State, expectations are as high as ever heading into the 2025 season, and with a roster already loaded with talent, many fans are wondering: will Ryan Day and the Buckeyes make any moves in the spring transfer portal window?
To answer that, one must first understand the state of Ohio State’s roster as spring practice winds down and the program begins to evaluate needs, depth issues, and opportunities to add impact players. The Buckeyes are widely regarded as one of the most complete teams in the country entering 2025. They return talent on both sides of the ball, including a promising quarterback situation, elite wide receivers, and a defense that played championship-caliber football in 2024. But in the era of the transfer portal, no roster is ever truly complete. Injuries, unexpected departures, and missed evaluations can create sudden needs, and the best programs are those that remain nimble and aggressive in addressing them.
Ohio State’s quarterback room may not require much tweaking. The Buckeyes have settled on a leader for 2025 in Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer who arrived in Columbus in the winter. Howard has been exactly what the coaching staff hoped for: a mature, experienced signal-caller with a strong arm and a head for the game. Behind him, Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz remain on the depth chart, though the possibility of a transfer out of the room can’t be ignored. If either Brown or Kienholz opts to move on in search of playing time elsewhere, Ohio State might find itself exploring a depth addition, especially considering the volatility of the quarterback position. That said, there’s little urgency unless attrition occurs.
Running back is another spot that appears well-stocked, especially with Quinshon Judkins transferring in from Ole Miss to pair with TreVeyon Henderson. It’s a tandem that rivals any in the nation. But again, the portal giveth and taketh away. If a player like Dallan Hayden were to look for opportunities elsewhere, Ohio State may want to keep an eye on available running backs in the portal just to ensure it maintains quality depth in a backfield that will be crucial to a balanced offensive attack.
Wide receiver, as always, is a position of strength in Columbus. With stars like Emeka Egbuka returning and several young receivers like Brandon Inniss and Carnell Tate pushing for more prominent roles, there’s little need to search for help here. Brian Hartline continues to reload with elite talent annually, and barring unforeseen circumstances, the Buckeyes are unlikely to pursue another receiver.
The tight end room, however, is worth watching. The Buckeyes lost Cade Stover to the NFL, and while Gee Scott Jr. and Jelani Thurman are expected to contribute, there’s uncertainty beyond them. If the coaching staff doesn’t feel confident in the current group’s ability to block and contribute consistently in the passing game, a veteran addition via the portal wouldn’t be out of the question. The spring transfer period often sees tight ends who’ve been buried on depth charts looking for one last opportunity to shine. Ohio State could be an ideal landing spot for the right player.
On the offensive line, the Buckeyes have several returning starters, including stalwarts like Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons. However, depth is always a concern in the trenches, and spring practice has a way of exposing gaps. Injuries or underperformance during camp could push the staff to seek reinforcements, especially at tackle. The tackle positions were an area of mild concern in 2024, and while there’s optimism that offseason development has resolved those issues, the portal is always a fallback option if coaches feel uneasy. Ryan Day and line coach Justin Frye won’t hesitate to make a move if they find a plug-and-play lineman who can provide insurance or push for a starting spot.
On defense, the front seven appears loaded. The defensive line, anchored by players like Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams, projects to be one of the best in the nation. Depth is good across the board, with young talent continuing to rise. The linebacker corps also looks solid, especially with the emergence of CJ Hicks, who has been a breakout player this spring. Still, if injuries or transfers deplete the position unexpectedly, Ohio State could look to the portal for a veteran who could step into a depth or rotational role.
The secondary is perhaps the most intriguing area when discussing potential transfer activity. Ohio State has high-end talent in its defensive backfield, including Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, and Caleb Downs, the latter of whom transferred in from Alabama this offseason and is already being talked about as a future All-American. But the safety position could still be an area of mild concern, depending on how the staff evaluates spring performances. There’s also always the possibility that a starter-level player becomes available late in the process, and if Ohio State views that player as a true difference-maker, they could pounce. Cornerback depth may also be tested if younger players don’t progress as hoped.
Beyond positional needs, the spring portal window also creates opportunities for programs to balance their rosters from a scholarship perspective. The coaching staff must anticipate how many players might leave and how many they can afford to bring in. While Ohio State typically doesn’t overextend itself with portal additions, preferring to be selective rather than aggressive, it will make moves when the right opportunity arises.
Another consideration is culture fit. Ryan Day has consistently emphasized the importance of bringing in players who will not only perform on the field but buy into the team’s values and chemistry. That makes Ohio State a little more cautious in the portal than some of its peers. The Buckeyes aren’t looking for mercenaries; they’re looking for high-character players who can enhance a championship pursuit without disrupting locker room dynamics.
Additionally, player development remains a core tenet of the program. The Buckeyes aren’t inclined to block the path of a promising young player unless it’s absolutely necessary. That’s particularly relevant for positions like linebacker, where players such as Arvell Reese and Gabe Powers are waiting for their shot. Unless development stalls or an unexpected injury occurs, Ohio State may choose to trust its internal pipeline rather than seek external solutions.
It’s also worth noting that the portal is a two-way street. Just as Ohio State could be active in seeking new additions, it’s likely to lose a few players during the window. With such a deep roster, some Buckeyes — particularly younger players or those buried on the depth chart — may look to find new opportunities elsewhere. The staff will need to be proactive in communicating with those players and making sure any departures don’t leave the team exposed.
Overall, the Buckeyes enter the spring transfer portal window in a position of strength. They don’t have glaring holes, but they do have areas where an experienced addition could elevate the team from elite to untouchable. If a high-impact offensive tackle, a reliable tight end, or a versatile defensive back becomes available, Ohio State will absolutely explore those options. But don’t expect a frenzy of movement. The Buckeyes are methodical and purposeful in their portal pursuits. They will make moves if they believe it gives them a better shot at winning a national championship — and nothing less than that is the goal in Columbus.
In many ways, this selective approach mirrors Ohio State’s overall philosophy. The Buckeyes recruit at an elite level, develop at an elite level, and now, in the portal era, aim to supplement that foundation with smart, calculated additions. The spring transfer window may not bring fireworks, but it could provide the final piece or two in a roster already capable of chasing the College Football Playoff.
So will Ohio State make roster moves this spring? The answer is yes — if the right player, at the right position, with the right mindset comes along. And if that happens, don’t be surprised to see the Buckeyes quietly make one or two moves that could pay huge dividends when the games start in September.
