Ever since its inception, the Ohio State transfer portal strategy has paid dividends. From Justin Fields in 2019 to Caleb Downs this year, the Buckeyes and Ryan Day have prioritized complementing the roster. Compared to other programs that seemingly lose and gain entire teams through the portal, Ohio State has had to hit on each of its transfers.

One thing has been clear, Ohio State’s transfer portal philosophy is quality, not quantity. The Buckeyes lost two dozen players to the portal this offseason but only brought in seven. While the Buckeyes benefit from a handful of NFL-ready players returning, Day and his staff brought in players who can contribute immediately and complement the returning players.

Ohio State in the Transfer Portal

A Different Kind of Southern Strategy

Of the seven incoming transfers headed to Columbus, five came by way of the SEC. Ohio State has established itself in the deep south in recruiting. Urban Meyer was regularly pulling in top-10 classes thanks to an aggressive approach in places like Texas and Florida. Day, to this point, has continued that approach in both recruiting and in the portal.

For most programs, Downs, Quinshon Judkins, and Julian Sayin would be the crown jewels of a portal haul. For the Buckeyes, they’ve brought in the top quarterback, running back, and safety in the nation from the portal according to 247Sports.

Downs’ impact is going to be felt from the first snap. He was a Freshman All-American, SEC Freshman of the Year, and First-Team All-SEC honoree. He jumped in the portal after Nick Saban retired. In his lone season in Tuscaloosa, Downs led the Tide with 107 tackles, marking the first time a freshman led the team in tackles in Alabama history. He comes to Ohio State with high expectations and was recently named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watchlist.

Perhaps the offensive equivalent in terms of impact will be the former Ole Miss running back, Judkins. Despite already having TreVeyon Henderson and his 2,745 yards and 32 touchdowns, Day courted the two-time First-Team All-SEC star. In two years at Ole Miss, Judkins amassed 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns.

The addition of Downs was a no-brainer. It was akin to the “best player available” thought process in the NFL Draft. You go out and get talent and then figure out where they’ll play later. Judkins was a slight surprise with Henderson still in tow. However, when the running back room lost four members. Even with Judkins, the unit’s depth will be a question. After the two at the top, all Ohio State has is a pair of true freshmen and a walk-on.