The newly introduced transfer portal schedule is officially open for all college football athletes. The two-week period will run from January 2 to January 16. Ryan Day and his staff are no strangers to the portal, having brought in a total of 11 transfers during the off-season. With players set to depart from Ohio State and coaching roles set to change, let’s take a look at a few potential candidates to represent the Scarlet and Gray next season.
Chaz Coleman – EDGE
The talented EDGE rusher from Warren, Ohio, should be a main priority target for defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Coleman’s lone season for the Nittany Lions was a good one. While his stats don’t reflect his impact, watching his film and seeing the disruption he causes on Saturdays should have Buckeyes’ fans foaming at the mouth at the possibility of landing him. The Ohio native did not receive an offer from Ohio State as a recruit, but that is expected to change the second time around. If Kenyatta Jackson decides to return, the Buckeyes could be looking at a solid unit. Expected departures on the defensive line for the Buckeyes include Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, Tywone Malone, Logan George, and Dominic Kirks.
Antonio O’Berry – EDGE
The Gardner-Webb transfer has already taken a visit to Ohio State. If all went well, the Buckeyes could be getting a nice depth addition. O’Berry stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 240-pounds. He tallied 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025.
Koi Perich – Safety
Koi Perich is a name familiar to many Ohio State fans. The talented safety had the Buckeyes high on his list of schools before ultimately signing with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. With Caleb Downs expected to leave for the NFL, the Buckeyes will need to find a viable starting option alongside Jaylen McClain.
Rasheem Biles – Linebacker
Another Ohio native, Biles, is expected to visit Ohio State on Monday. If all goes well, the Buckeyes could be looking to add one of the most talented linebackers in the portal. With Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese set to go to the NFL, linebackers coach James Laurinaitis will need to add a star alongside Riley Pettijohn to replace the production Styles and Reese brought this season. Biles converted 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions this season.
Wayne Knight – Running Back
The James Madison transfer immediately comes in as one of the top running backs in the portal. While undersized, Knight rushed for 1,373 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry this past season. With James Peoples in the portal and CJ Donaldson set to graduate, the Buckeyes will need to find a viable option to play alongside Bo Jackson. Isaiah West will also look to contribute as a solid third option in his second season.
David Olano – Kicker
David Olano is set to transfer from Illinois with one season of eligibility remaining. With Jayden Fielding out of eligibility and Jackson Courville in the portal, the Buckeyes will need to find a viable option to take over in 2026. Olano was perfect on extra points this season and made 87% of his field goals.
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