Although Ohio State is focused on trying to win a second straight championship this season, it must prepare to replace top stars heading to the NFL next year. And some interesting replacement options have emerged in the transfer portal.
Ohio State has the chance to be just the 11th program to win consecutive National Championships if it can again get through the college football playoffs this winter like they memorably did last year. But also like last year, this will be the last few weeks in scarlett and gray for many Buckeyes seniors and NFL Draft prospects.
Earlier this year, Ohio State’s roster took a huge hit when 14 players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Four in the first round and three more in the second. They could impressively make a run at that number again in April, but the biggest losses will be Heisman contenders Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs. However, some interesting options have emerged in the growing transfer portal.
Could Ohio State target Michigan State WR Nick Marsh?
According to ESPN, Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh will be available in the college football transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. The outlet claims he will be one of the most sought-after wideouts in the portal after posting 100 catches, 1,311 yards, and nine touchdowns in his two seasons with the Spartans.
After firing head coach Jonathan Smith, he is taking his talents elsewhere in 2026. He could just move over to the bigger school in the state, Michigan, but they are dealing with a mess after firing Sherrone Moore last week. He is a Detroit native, so Ohio State should make a strong push for him with the pitch being to stay close to home while joining an elite program.
Another interesting option entering the portal is East Carolina’s Yannick Smith. The South Carolina native posted similar stats to Marsh in his two seasons with the Pirates and has a very similar build to superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith. He should be on OSU’s portal wish list as well.
The big question is, will wide receivers be less drawn to Ohio State with WR guru and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving to be the head coach of USF?
Could Keith Abney be a replacement option for Caleb Downs?
Along with Smith and Tate, filling the void left by superstar safety Caleb Downs will be tough for the Buckeyes. The Jim Thorpe Award winner could be a top-five pick in April’s NFL Draft. But there is an intriguing option that could be available.
There are rumblings that quite a few players from Arizona State could hit the portal. Especially if head coach Kenny Dillingham does leave for Michigan. There have been recent rumblings that talented defensive back Keith Abney II could be one of those on the way out.
Although he is a corner, his addition could be a big one for Ohio State’s secondary, and help fill the void left by Downs. He is a versatile DB with good athleticism and covering skills. While several SEC schools are expected to target him, Ohio State’s prestige could intrigue the native of Dallas, TX.
