Cody Croy
Writer
Baylor transfer kicker Connor Hawkins has signed with Ohio State, according to Rivals insider Hayes Fawcett. He will have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining. Hawkins took to social media after his commitment, posting “Let’s roll!!” On X. After some uncertainty regarding the kicking situation, the Buckeyes finally have their guy.
Hawkins played two seasons for the Bears and never missed an extra point. Hawkins’ leg has shown to be powerful, kicking a career-long of 54 yards. Kicker became a big need for the Buckeyes when projected starter Jackson Courville entered the transfer portal and signed with Tulane. With Jayden Fielding out of eligibility, the Buckeyes spent some time without a rostered kicker. Hawkins is now the second special teams addition in the portal, joining transfer long snapper Dalton Riggs.
Special teams have been an Achilles heel for the Buckeyes over the past couple of seasons. Fans cringe when recalling the famous New Year’s Eve missed kick by former Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles against the Georgia Bulldogs in the playoffs. Jayden Fielding leaves a bad taste in the mouth, coming off his final season with the Buckeyes due to his inconsistent play in his time with the program. Connor Hawkins gives the Buckeyes a fresh start and a chance to change the narrative when talking about the Buckeyes.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff take an unorthodox approach when it comes to special teams. Following the firing of special teams coordinator Parker Fleming in 2024, the Buckeyes named Rob Keys to the role. Keys, however, has a team of advisors who work to make the special teams better. While this committee approach has yet to yield the results expected by Buckeyes fans all around, Keys and company will look to turn it with some new talent incoming in 2026.
Cody Croy
Writer
Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes have agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Columbus, ending speculation that he could return to the NFL. Patricia, who has been in Columbus for one year, set historic numbers in his first season as defensive coordinator. Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes ultimately fell short […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
Desperation is a stinky cologne, but the Buckeyes are desperate for wins following the loss to Michigan State. Ohio State relied on every ounce of manpower against #15 Michigan State. They have been down a starter in John Mobley Jr for weeks, but without Devin Royal, the game felt like a prayer. Amare Bynum was […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Buckeyes had not lost back-to-back games yet this year coming into tonight. Ohio State started the night in Joe Lunardi’s bracketology as one of the first four out of the 64-team tournament. With Selection Sunday looming and no ranked wins to show for it, the Buckeyes face a must-win scenario. The Buckeyes came out […]
