Ohio State Portal: A Record-Breaking 16 Signings Signal Buckeyes' Commitment to Rebuilding
The transfer portal window has officially closed, and Ohio State Football has made a statement by securing the largest number of portal additions in program history. With 16 new players joining the Buckeyes roster, the team aims to replace the 31 scholarship players who departed and strengthen its position for the 2026 season. While a few more additions might still be on the horizon, the majority of the roster is now set, and the focus shifts to integrating these new talents.
Key Additions Across Multiple Positions
Ohio State's recruiting efforts in the transfer portal have been comprehensive, targeting players across various positions. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable signings and their potential impact on the team.
Cornerback Depth with Dominick Kelly
Among the most exciting additions is Dominick Kelly, a cornerback from Georgia. Kelly, a former four-star prospect out of IMG Academy, brings significant potential to the Buckeyes' secondary. Although his playing time at Georgia was limited, his 6-foot-1 frame and promising performance in limited snaps make him a valuable asset. With the departure of Bryce West and Aaron Scott, Ohio State needed to bolster its cornerback depth, and Kelly appears to be a perfect fit.
Resolving Kicking Concerns with Connor Hawkins
Kicking had become a pressing concern for Ohio State, with Jayden Fielding's inconsistency and the transfer of backup Jackson Courville leaving a significant void. The Buckeyes addressed this issue by signing Connor Hawkins from Baylor. Hawkins demonstrated strong leg strength during his time at Baylor, making 18 of 22 field goal attempts, including three from beyond 50 yards. His addition provides Ohio State with the kicking reliability it has been lacking since Blake Haubeil's 50-yarder in 2019.
Experience and Versatility with Hunter Welcing
Ohio State's tight end position has also received a significant upgrade with the addition of Hunter Welcing from Northwestern. While not as flashy as last year's recruit Max Klare, Welcing had a breakout season in 2025, recording 28 catches, 296 yards, and two touchdowns. His experience is a major asset, as he will be 23 years old when the season begins, aligning with Ohio State's emphasis on mature players this offseason. Welcing's versatility as both a blocker and receiver makes him a valuable addition to the offense.
Impact Players on Defense
The Buckeyes' defensive lineup is also getting a boost with several high-impact additions.
Earl Little Jr.: A Safety Who Can Change the Game
Ohio State's safety corps received a significant upgrade with the signing of Earl Little Jr. from Florida State. Little had a standout season in 2025, earning second-team All-ACC honors and recording a team-high 76 tackles and four interceptions. His positional flexibility, having played 376 snaps at free safety and also contributing in the box and slot, makes him a perfect fit for the Buckeyes, especially with the departure of All-American Caleb Downs to the NFL. While he had 14 missed tackles, there's no doubt that Little's talent and experience will make a significant impact.
John Walker and James Smith: Beefing Up the Defensive Line
The defensive line is another area where Ohio State made significant improvements. John Walker, a transfer from UCF, is a massive presence at 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds. Despite missing the 2024 season due to injury, Walker had a standout 2025 campaign, recording 40 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and one sack. His size and productivity make him a strong candidate to win a starting job.
Joining Walker is James Smith, another transfer from Alabama. Smith brings a strong pass-rushing presence to the interior defensive line. He recorded 11 pressures on 198 pass rush snaps in 2025, along with a career-high 6.5 tackles for a loss. His addition provides Ohio State with another weapon to disrupt opposing offenses.
Setting the Stage for the 2026 Season
With this influx of talent from the transfer portal, Ohio State Football is poised to make a strong run in the 2026 season. The additions across multiple positions address key areas of need and provide the Buckeyes with experienced players who can contribute immediately. While the integration process will be crucial, the potential for these new signees to make an impact is undeniable. Buckeye fans can look forward to a exciting season ahead as the team strives for another championship.
Conclusion: A Bold Move by Ohio State
Ohio State's record-breaking 16 signings from the transfer portal represent a bold move by the program to rebuild and strengthen its roster. Each addition brings unique skills and experiences that will contribute to the team's success. As the offseason progresses, the focus will be on integrating these new players into the Buckeyes' system and preparing for a challenging season ahead. With this talented group of additions, Ohio State is well-positioned to compete for a championship in 2026.
