Ohio State has the chance to bolster its roster for the 2024 campaign as the transfer portal is about to open. This essay examines three important individuals that the Buckeyes ought to focus on in order to strengthen their secondary and special teams.

 

College football teams across the country, including the Ohio State football team, will be eager to add players to their rosters as the NCAA transfer portal officially opens on December 9. The Buckeyes have a solid base, but they may need to add depth or make improvements in a few crucial areas, especially if they want to compete for a national championship and return to the College Football Playoffs. This offseason, Ohio State ought to give priority to the following three players on the transfer portal:

1. Jesus Gomez, Redshirt Senior, Kicker, Eastern Michigan

This season, Ohio State has clearly struggled in the kicking game. Despite being reliable for the majority of the season, Jayden Fielding has struggled under pressure and lacks the leg power necessary for long-range attempts. Missed field goals in pivotal situations, like against Nebraska and, more significantly, in the rivalry game against Michigan, were the result of his troubles. The kickoff is clearly not where it should be for a strong title contender like Ohio State, despite Ryan Day’s assurances in news conferences about Fielding.

One of the top kickers in the transfer portal, Jesus Gomez, enters. Gomez, a long-distance threat who has made six field goals of 50 yards or more in his career, hit a perfect 57-yarder against Washington this season. Additionally, he has demonstrated consistency this season by not missing more than one field goal in a game. His ability to hit from farther than fifty yards would be a great weapon for Ohio State, particularly in games that are tight. Head coach Ryan Day may strengthen a crucial area of weakness and boost confidence in a kicking game that has frequently left points on the field by bringing in Gomez.

 

2. Micah Hudson, a sophomore wide receiver at Texas Tech

Although Ohio State has an unrivaled reputation for turning out top-tier wide receivers, depth issues still affect the Buckeyes. It makes sense to add another explosive playmaker to the receiver room given the recent losses of Jayden Ballard and Kojo Antwi via the transfer portal, especially in light of possible rotation requirements or injuries.

An excellent acquisition would be Micah Hudson, the fourth-ranked wide receiver in the 2024 class and a former 5-star prospect. Hudson has demonstrated the exceptional athleticism and playmaking skills that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in his class, despite struggling with injuries during his freshman year at Texas Tech. Although Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss are Ohio State’s likely starting three, adding Hudson would provide the Buckeyes with an additional top option and insurance in case of injury.

Because of Hudson’s versatility as a receiver and his ability to extend the field, Ohio State would be able to mix and match their wideouts in novel ways that would keep defenses off balance. The Buckeyes could have one of the most effective passing assaults in college football thanks to Hudson’s depth and skill.

3. Georgia cornerback Julian Humphrey, a redshirt junior

With veteran cornerback Denzel Burke leaving for the NFL, the Ohio State secondary needs replacements. The scenario is murkier at the opposing corner spot, where Davison Igbinosun has struggled with penalties all season while Jermaine Mathews Jr. is ready to take over as a starter. Igbinosun leads the nation in penalties, and a number of them hurt Ohio State’s defense and made opponents’ drives longer.

Georgia’s highly regarded cornerback Julian Humphrey might strengthen Ohio State’s secondary. Humphrey is an athletic, physically fit defender who has faced elite SEC opponents. Reports state that he is anticipated to look at elite programs like Miami, Alabama, and Texas, but Ohio State ought to give it a shot. Although the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield is deep with young, gifted players like Devin Sanchez and Calvin Simpson-Hunt, it would be much more stable with an experienced veteran like Humphrey.

Igbinosun’s strength is man coverage, which Humphrey excels at thanks to his size, quickness, and ball abilities. Igbinosun has committed 13 penalties this year, compared to Humphrey’s single. His presence would allow Ohio State options and help reduce the kinds of errors that cost them repeatedly if he could jump in and contend for a starting position.