The Ohio State Buckeyes' 2025 season ended abruptly, leading to a mass exodus of players from the program. Out of 36 players leaving, 31 were scholarship players, including several defensive transfers. The team's focus now shifts to the 2026 season, with preparation underway and spring practice in full swing. This article delves into the destinations and potential impacts of these defensive transfers, offering a comprehensive look at their new roles and the challenges they face in their respective programs.
EDGE C.J. HICKS - SOUTH FLORIDA
Hicks, a former Buckeye linebacker, never lived up to the hype during his four seasons with the team. After a redshirt year, he entered the transfer portal and landed at South Florida, reuniting with former Buckeye coach Brian Hartline. Hicks is expected to play a pass-rush specialist role, providing more playing time than he received in Columbus.
DL TRAJEN ODOM - ARKANSAS
Odom, a three-star prospect, redshirted as a freshman and entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season. He committed to Arkansas, where he demonstrated his potential during the spring. Odom is projected as the primary backup to a Virginia transfer, and his productivity in the spring suggests a promising future for the Razorbacks.
EDGE JOSHUA MICKENS - UNCONN
MicKENS, a top-20 edge rusher, never translated his impressive résumé into production for the Buckeyes. After three seasons, he entered the transfer portal and committed to UConn. Despite limited playing time in Columbus, MicKENS brings valuable experience and coaching connections to the Huskies, who are looking to build on their recent success.
SAF CODY HADDAD - IOWA
Haddad, a three-star prospect, faced an uphill battle for playing time due to a loaded safety room. After redshirting as a freshman, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Iowa. With limited playing time expected, Haddad will focus on special teams and depth roles, competing for a spot on defense in 2026.
SAF FAHEEM DELANE - LSU
Delane, a four-star prospect, played a limited role in 2025 due to competition. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to LSU, where his brother played. Delane's versatility and spring practice performance suggest a promising future for the Tigers, who have limited depth in the secondary.
DL ERIC MENSAH - VIRGINIA TECH
Mensah, a three-star prospect, struggled to earn playing time in two seasons with the Buckeyes. After the 2025 season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Virginia Tech. Mensah showed his ability in the spring, recording sacks and pass breakups, and will compete for a role in the defensive tackle rotation.
SAF MALIK HARTFORD - UCLA
Hartford, a four-star prospect, served as a backup for two seasons. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to UCLA, seeking more playing time. Hartford had moments of high-level play in spring practice, and his competition with other safeties suggests a potential starting role for the Bruins.
DL JARQUEZ CARTER - MAIMI
Carter, a three-star prospect, played a limited role in one season with the Buckeyes. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Miami. Carter received praise in the spring for his work ethic and adaptation to a new defensive system, suggesting a promising role in the Hurricanes' defensive line rotation.
SAF KEENAN NELSON JR. - GEORGIA STATE
Nelson, a transfer from South Carolina, saw limited action in the secondary for the Buckeyes. After entering the transfer portal, he moved to the FBS level and committed to Georgia State. With limited playing time at the highest level, Nelson's future role at Georgia State remains uncertain.
DL MAXWELL ROY - UCLA
Roy, a four-star prospect, did not play in his freshman season and entered the transfer portal. He committed to UCLA, where he will compete for a role as a reserve defensive lineman. With five seasons of eligibility remaining, Roy has the opportunity to improve and secure a spot in the rotation.
CB AARON SCOTT JR. - OREGON
Scott, a talented cornerback from Ohio, struggled to get on the field in Columbus. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Oregon. Scott's move to Eugene presents a challenge, as he competes with a strong cornerback room. There's speculation that he could also move to safety.
CB BRYCE WEST - WISCONSIN
West, a talented cornerback from Ohio, faced competition in Columbus. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Wisconsin. West's move to Madison appears to be paying off, as he is projected to start at nickel and has been praised for his versatility.
DE LOGAN GEORGE - WASHINGTON
George, a defensive end, transferred to Ohio State after a breakout at Idaho State. However, he struggled with injuries and limited playing time. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Washington, where he aims to return healthy and compete for a spot in the defensive end rotation.
EDGE DOMINIC KIRKS - NORTHWESTERN
Kirks, a former four-star prospect, never made an impact for the Buckeyes. After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Northwestern, where he will compete for a role as a defensive end. His experience at Ohio State provides a leg up, but he must prove his worth in the Big Ten.
