Cody Croy
Writer
Safety Malik Hartford and EDGE rusher CJ Hicks have decided to preserve their redshirt eligibility and will not play for the remainder of the Buckeyes’ season, according to Josh Poloha of Eleven Warriors. This news does not come as a surprise, as both have seen limited playing time throughout the duration of their time in Columbus.
Dayton native CJ Hicks came out of Archbishop Alter with tremendous hype and expectations, even drawing comparisons to San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner. Hicks was a consensus 5-star in the class of 2022 and the No. 2 linebacker in the country. Hicks saw limited time in his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, only playing in 11 games, and recording just 14 total tackles in that span.
Hicks began to see more consistent playing time in his junior season, appearing in 10 total games and recording 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection. But after failing to meet the lofty expectations, the Buckeyes decided to move Hicks to EDGE for his senior season, where he has recorded two total tackles.
Hartford, a Lakota West product, committed to Ohio State in 2022. Hartford was a top 100 prospect and the No. 1 safety in the state of Ohio. Hartford played a limited role in his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, having to sit behind Lathan Ransom and Sonny Styles.
With Styles making the switch to linebacker and Ransom turning pro, Hartford was presented with an opportunity to compete for a starting role with sophomore Jaylen McClain this offseason. Hartford and McClain battled throughout camp. The competition lasted into the week one matchup against Texas, where both received first-team snaps. McClain caught the eyes of the coaches and beat out Hartford for the starting role alongside Caleb Downs.
After taking the redshirts, Hartford will have two seasons of eligibility left, while Hicks will have one.
The Buckeyes continue to dominate the recruiting trail, this time with 2026 tight end Nick Lautar. The Lebanon, OH, native flipped his commitment from Louisville. Lautar becomes the 27th member of the Ohio State 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes place 7th nationally in the recruiting rankings. Lautar is the lone tight end in the class […]
Cody Croy
Writer
2026 4-star EDGE Dre Quinn has committed to Ohio State. Quinn was previously committed to Clemson. Quinn currently attends Buford High School, a powerhouse that has seen a long line of Division 1 athletes, including Ohio State defensive lineman Eddrick Houston. Quinn finished his junior season with 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. […]
Jeremiah Smith wasn’t dominating defenders as usual; he was dominating the pregame buzz. Listed as questionable, his status sent shockwaves through the Buckeye faithful. Compounding the worries, his counterpart on the other side of the hash marks, Carnell Tate, was held out for a second week in a row. Turned out Smith played sparingly, and […]
