Ohio State football: Offensive lineman transfers to Pitt
By Del Barris
A former Ohio State football player has decided where to transfer to after leaving the Buckeyes last week.
With news of position battles, dark horses for playing time, and a myriad of other stories emerging from Ohio State’s fall camp, it is not surprising when something slips between the cracks. Offensive lineman Ryan Jacoby announcing his intention to transfer was one of those things that tumbled under the floorboards.
Jacoby announced he was transferring early last week. It certainly didn’t take long for him to find a new college football home. Last night he announced he is becoming a member of the Pitt Panthers.
The Mentor High School product was a part of OSU’s 2019 recruiting class. He was the country’s number 23 tackle and chose the Buckeyes over the likes of Michigan, Indiana, and WVU. After a redshirt season in 2019, he was not a part of the two-deep depth chart in 2020 and did not see any playing time.
Although Pitt’s offensive line has been described as more of a curiosity than a potential problem, they appear set at guard this year. Because he is joining the Panthers’ camp late, I don’t think you’ll see Jacoby starting in 2021. Undoubtedly, he can provide much-needed depth.
With three of their first four games coming against UMass, Western Michigan, and New Hampshire, there is a very good chance he will see the first playing time of his college career.
Jacoby is the sixth Ohio State football player to transfer since the beginning of January. He joins receivers Mookie Copper (Missouri) and Jameson Williams (Alabama), offensive tackle Max Wray (Colorado), cornerback Tyreke Johnson (Nebraska), and walk-on defensive lineman Zaid Hamdan (James Madison) as those who have left for what they see as better opportunities.
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Linemen who have transferred from the Buckeyes in recent years have contributed heavily to their new school. Evan Lisle (Duke) and Kevin Feder (Kansas) were multi-year starters. Center Jack Wohlabaugh has become a mainstay along the Duke offensive line. Expect to see Jacoby doing the same for Pitt as his career progresses.