Ohio State's 2025 football season ended abruptly, leading to a significant exodus of players from the program. With 36 players, including 31 scholarship players, departing, the Buckeyes faced the challenge of replacing key contributors while preparing for the 2026 season. Head coach Ryan Day's team has a solid track record of retaining players, but some departures were inevitable. Among the outgoing players, several defensive transfers have found new homes, seeking fresh starts and increased playing time.
One such player is C.J. Hicks, a former highly touted recruit who struggled to find his place in the Ohio State defense. After playing just four games in the 2025 season, Hicks entered the transfer portal and landed at South Florida, where he reunited with former Buckeye offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. Hicks is expected to have more playing time at South Florida, potentially as a pass-rush specialist, which could be a significant boost to his career.
Another defensive transfer, Trajen Odom, committed to Arkansas after a brief stint at Ohio State. As a freshman, Odom played in just three games, recording no stats, and entered the transfer portal shortly after the 2025 season ended. At Arkansas, he will compete for a role as a redshirt freshman, aiming to make an impact in the Razorbacks' defense.
Joshua Mickens, a top-20 edge rusher in the 2023 recruiting class, also sought a fresh start. After three seasons at Ohio State, Mickens, who played behind several star players, entered the transfer portal and committed to UConn. At UConn, he brings valuable experience from being coached by defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, which could help him carve out a bigger role.
Cody Haddad, a safety, also decided to transfer, committing to Iowa. After redshirting as a freshman at Ohio State, Haddad struggled to find playing time due to a loaded safety room. At Iowa, he will compete for a spot on defense, aiming to contribute to the Hawkeyes' special teams and depth chart.
Faheem Delane, a safety, transferred to LSU, where his brother played his final collegiate season. Delane, a four-star prospect, saw limited playing time at Ohio State due to competition from other safeties. At LSU, he will compete for snaps and has the opportunity to play safety or nickel, filling a need in the Tigers' secondary.
Eric Mensah, a defensive lineman, returned to his home state, committing to Virginia Tech. After two seasons at Ohio State with limited playing time, Mensah showed his ability in the spring, recording 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup. At Virginia Tech, he will compete for playing time and could be part of the defensive tackle rotation.
Malik Hartford, a safety, transferred to UCLA, seeking more playing time. After serving as a backup for his first two seasons at Ohio State, Hartford lost the offseason battle to McClain and played only 38 defensive snaps. At UCLA, he will continue to compete for a spot on defense while contributing to the Bruins' special teams.
Jarquez Carter, a defensive lineman, returned to his home state, committing to Miami. After one season at Ohio State with limited contributions, Carter received praise in the spring from defensive tackles coach Damione Lewis for his work ethic. At Miami, he will compete for a role in the Hurricanes' defensive line rotation.
Keenan Nelson Jr., a safety, transferred to Georgia State, aiming to play at the FBS level. After two years at Ohio State with limited playing time, Nelson saw only special teams action. At Georgia State, he will look to contribute to the Panthers' defense.
Maxwell Roy, a defensive lineman, transferred to UCLA, seeking more opportunities. After a redshirt year at Ohio State, Roy saw no opportunity to play and committed to UCLA. At UCLA, he will compete for a spot on the Bruins' defensive line.
Aaron Scott Jr., a cornerback, transferred to Oregon, hoping to find more playing time. After struggling to get on the field at Ohio State, Scott entered the transfer portal and landed at Oregon. At Oregon, he will compete for a spot in the Ducks' cornerback room and could even move to safety.
Bryce West, a cornerback, also transferred to Wisconsin, replacing Geimere Latimer Jr. who transferred to West Virginia. After playing 119 snaps in two seasons at Ohio State, West made a strong early impression at Wisconsin, and it appears he will be the starting nickel in 2026.
Logan George, a defensive end, transferred to Washington after a brief stint at Ohio State. After battling injuries and limited playing time, George entered the transfer portal and committed to Washington. At Washington, he will look to return healthy and earn a spot in the Huskies' defensive end rotation.
Dominic Kirks, a defensive end, transferred to Northwestern, seeking more playing time. After two years at Ohio State with limited snaps, Kirks entered the transfer portal and committed to the Wildcats. At Northwestern, he will compete for a role in the Big Ten, aiming to improve the team's edge-rushing production.
