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, leaving the team, the Buckeyes faced the challenge of replacing key contributors. Among the departing players were several defensive transfers who have now found new homes across college football. Let's take a closer look at where these players ended up and what their potential impact could be at their new schools.
EDGE C.J. HICKS - SOUTH FLORIDA
C.J. Hicks, a former highly touted recruit from Archbishop Alter in Dayton, Ohio, never lived up to the hype during his four seasons with the Buckeyes. Despite discussions about his potential breakout year each offseason, Hicks consistently struggled to break through and earn playing time. After playing in just four games last season and redshirting, he entered the transfer portal and landed at South Florida. At his new school, Hicks is in line for more playing time and could be utilized as a pass-rush specialist in Josh Aldridge's defense. While his starting status is uncertain, Hicks should be a key contributor alongside run-stopper Michael Williams.
DL TRAJEN ODOM - ARKANSAS
Trajen Odom, a three-star prospect from Matthews, North Carolina, committed to Ohio State in the summer of 2024. However, after his first offseason with the Buckeyes, it became clear that Odom would not make an immediate impact. Playing behind established players like Kayden McDonald, Eddrick Houston, and Tywone Malone Jr., Odom redshirted before entering the transfer portal and committing to Arkansas. In his first offseason with the Razorbacks, Odom demonstrated his potential, and he is projected to be the primary backup to fourth-year junior Hunter Osborne. While he may not start, Odom's role as a redshirt freshman is expected to be significant.
EDGE JOSHUA MICKENS - UNCONN
Joshua Mickens, a top-20 edge rusher and the No. 1 player from Indiana in the 2023 recruiting class, arrived at Ohio State with high expectations. However, he struggled to translate his impressive résumé into on-field production for the Buckeyes. Behind players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Caden Curry, Mickens played a career-high 44 defensive snaps last season before entering the transfer portal and committing to UConn. At his new school, Mickens brings valuable experience from being coached by defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. While he may not have played as much as he would have liked at Ohio State, Mickens is expected to carve out a bigger role at UConn than he was able to at Ohio State.
SAF CODY HADDAD - IOWA
Cody Haddad, a three-star prospect from Cleveland, originally committed to Wisconsin before flipping to Ohio State. However, with a loaded safety room featuring talented players like Caleb Downs and Jaylen McClain, Haddad struggled to see the field early in his career. After redshirting, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Iowa. While his path to regular playing time won't be easy, Haddad will feature on special teams and in a depth role for the Hawkeyes this season. He will then compete for a spot on defense in 2026.
SAF FAHEEM DELANE - LSU
Faheem Delane, a four-star prospect and the No. 8 safety in the 2025 recruiting class, generated excitement about his potential impact in the Buckeye safety room. However, with Caleb Downs entrenched at one spot and Jaylen McClain winning the other, Delane played 81 defensive snaps last season. After seeing less playing time near the end of the season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to LSU, where his brother, Mansoor, played his final collegiate season. In his first offseason as a Tiger, Delane showed his versatility and could play safety or nickel this fall. While LSU has limited depth in the secondary, Delane acquitted himself well in spring practice and will compete for snaps this fall.
DL ERIC MENSAH - VIRGINIA TECH
Eric Mensah, a three-star prospect from Stafford, Virginia, spent two seasons with the Buckeyes but struggled to earn meaningful playing time. After appearing in four non-conference games during his time in Columbus, Mensah entered the transfer portal and returned closer to home, committing to Virginia Tech. The defensive lineman showed his ability in the spring, recording 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup in the spring game. While Mensah may not start in his first season in Blacksburg, he will compete for playing time and could be part of the defensive tackle rotation.
SAF MALIK HARTFORD - UCLA
Malik Hartford, a four-star prospect and one of the top safeties in the 2023 recruiting class, was expected to be a key contributor in Ohio State's defense. However, after serving as a backup for his first two seasons, Hartford lost the offseason battle to McClain and played only 38 defensive snaps to preserve his redshirt. After entering the transfer portal, Hartford committed to UCLA, seeking more playing time. In his first offseason in Los Angeles, Hartford was a limited participant as he recovered from surgery. While he may not start, Hartford had his moments and will continue to compete for playing time on defense while being a key contributor on special teams.
DL JARQUEZ CARTER - MAIMI
Jarquez Carter, a three-star prospect from Newberry, Florida, spent one season with the Buckeyes but never made meaningful contributions. After entering the transfer portal shortly after the season ended, Carter returned to his home state and committed to Miami. The Hurricanes retooled their defensive line following the departures of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, and Carter was praised in the spring for adapting to a new defensive system and for his work ethic. While he is likely to be part of a rotation on the defensive line, Carter will have to compete with more experienced players.
SAF KEENAN NELSON JR. - GEORGIA STATE
Keenan Nelson Jr., a transfer from South Carolina ahead of the 2024 season, was expected to help in the secondary, particularly at nickel. However, he saw only special teams action for the Buckeyes. After his second year in Columbus, Nelson entered the transfer portal and moved down to the FBS level, committing to Georgia State. While there is limited coverage of the Panthers' offseason and Nelson's performance this spring, it's hard to imagine a player who has been on the field for the Gamecocks and the Buckeyes not playing a role on Georgia State's defense.
DL MAXWELL ROY - UCLA
Maxwell Roy, a four-star prospect and a top-40 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, did not see the field during his freshman season at Ohio State and took a redshirt year. With two of the four top rotation defensive tackles returning for the 2026 season, Roy saw no opportunity to play for the Buckeyes and entered the transfer portal. At UCLA, Roy is projected to be a reserve defensive lineman who could be used in short-yardage packages. While he has work to do to see the field, there is room for optimism if Roy continues to improve.
CB AARON SCOTT JR. - OREGON
Aaron Scott Jr., once considered a potential next great Ohio State cornerback from Ohio, struggled to find his footing in Columbus. Despite being a five-star prospect, Scott played 180 defensive snaps over two years but was passed on the depth chart by younger players. After entering the transfer portal, Scott landed at Oregon. While he went from a strong cornerback room at Ohio State to a strong one at Oregon, it's challenging to get on the field either way. Scott is expected to be the Ducks' third or fourth corner and may even move to safety.
CB BRYCE WEST - WISCONSIN
Bryce West, a talented cornerback from Ohio, struggled to get on the field for the Buckeyes, playing 119 snaps in two seasons. As with Aaron Scott Jr., West saw other players, including Devin Sanchez, begin to get playing time over him and quickly entered the transfer portal. At Wisconsin, West appears to be paying off. Following spring practice, it appears West will be Wisconsin's starting nickel in 2026, replacing Geimere Latimer Jr., who transferred to West Virginia. While he might start at nickel, West's versatility suggests he could also see action at outside corner.
DE LOGAN GEORGE - WASHINGTON
Logan George, a defensive end who transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2025 season, struggled to make an impact due to injuries. After playing in just three games on defense, George entered the transfer portal and committed to Washington. The injuries have continued since his move to Seattle, and George missed nearly half of spring practice. He hopes to return healthy for fall camp and earn a spot in Washington's defensive end rotation.
EDGE DOMINIC KIRKS - NORTHWESTERN
Dominic Kirks, a former four-star prospect who spent two years with the Buckeyes, played only 24 defensive snaps and recorded just two total tackles. This led Kirks to enter the transfer portal and commit to Northwestern. At his new school, Kirks is competing with other defensive ends coming out of spring and will have to earn his role during fall camp.
