An eye-catching, young defensive star has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. and the Ohio State Buckeyes are more than likely going to be keeping an eye on him.

The immediate ripple effects of Ohio State’s narrow loss to Indiana have shaped the national conversation around the Buckeyes’ title defense. While the defeat did not cost them a playoff berth, it challenged the perception of an offense that had been dominant for most of the season.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs is one of the best defensive players in the country and could ultimately be the best overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He began his collegiate career at Alabama in 2023 but transferred to Ohio State ahead of 2024, and his impact was immediately palpable.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently preparing for a matchup in the College Football Playoffs in the coming weeks. The team, following a 12-1 season and No. 2

Keep up with all the Ohio State players who receive first-team All-America honors, earning a tree in Buckeye Grove in 2025.

BOTTOM LINE: Ohio State plays No. 12 North Carolina at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Buckeyes are 7-1 in non-conference play. Ohio State averages 87.6 points and has outscored opponents by 14.7 points per game.

No. 13 Illinois handed Ohio State its first Big Ten defeat of the season in a choppy game marred with fouls and free throws.

Hartline has worked with the Buckeyes’ receivers since joining Urban Meyer’s staff in 2017. He was promoted to offensive coordinator this season by coach Ryan Day — a role Hartline intends to hold throughout the upcoming College Football Playoff.

It's not even the College Football Playoffs yet, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are still having to deal with a headache to start things out. The Buckeyes have a b