Ohio State Football's Transfer Portal Challenges and Rising Stars

As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, their focus has recently been twofold: navigating the challenges of the transfer portal and celebrating the achievements of their standout freshman, Jeremiah Smith.

Transfer Portal Struggles

The Buckeyes' search for key offensive linemen through the transfer portal has become a noteworthy aspect of their offseason strategy. This winter, they successfully signed Ethan Onianwa, a highly rated offensive lineman from Rice University. However, the team faced disappointment when Josh Thompson, a former Northwestern standout, opted to join LSU instead, leaving Ohio State empty-handed in this specific pursuit.

Thompson, who received an impressive 74.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus this past season, was regarded as a coveted talent in the transfer portal. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 310 pounds, he showcased remarkable versatility, having started 21 of 31 appearances at Northwestern and excelling in multiple positions, including both guard spots and right tackle. Importantly, he maintained a clean slate, not allowing a sack in his last 18 games.

While Ohio State was fortunate to secure Onianwa, losing out on Thompson still stings, especially considering the difficulties the Buckeyes have encountered in sourcing quality offensive linemen in recent years. This struggle is particularly pertinent following a dominant victory against Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff, positioning Ohio State for a challenging matchup against Oregon on New Year’s Day.

Rising Star: Jeremiah Smith

On a brighter note, Ohio State is celebrating the growing fame of Jeremiah Smith, their impressive freshman wide receiver, who has emerged as one of the standout players of the season. Despite his exceptional season, Smith was recently overlooked for the Shaun Alexander Award, bestowed annually to the nation’s top freshman player. The award ultimately went to Colin Simmons, a Texas defensive lineman, despite Smith's record-setting performance.

Smith's contribution has been nothing short of historic. Entering the Rose Bowl, he boasts 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and is tied for fourth nationally with 12 touchdowns. His outstanding play earned him second-team All-America honors and solidified his status as the Big Ten’s freshman of the year. His absence from the award list generates discussions about recognizing rookie talent in a competitive landscape heavily scrutinized by both media and fans alike.

Adding to the buzz, Smith is now featured in Nike's latest commercial, "I Told You So," showcasing his phenomenal catch against Michigan State, alongside NFL stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Derrick Henry. This visibility only enhances his already burgeoning profile as one of the most electrifying players in Ohio State history.

Looking Ahead

As the Buckeyes prepare for the Rose Bowl, the team balances their current challenges in the transfer portal with the excitement surrounding the emergence of talent like Jeremiah Smith. The dual narrative reflects the evolving dynamics of college football, where recruiting strategies and player recognition play crucial roles in a team's success.

Ohio State remains committed to refining its roster and enhancing its competitive edge while also showcasing its exceptional athletes in the national spotlight. This upcoming game against Oregon presents an opportunity to display that growth, leverage on-field talent, and rectify the challenges faced in recruitment strategies. As they prepare for this critical matchup, all eyes will be on how well they can merge these elements into a victorious performance.