Ohio State Football: Another Buckeye enters the portal
The Ohio State football team will be losing another member from its roster. Tight End Joe Royer has entered the transfer portal.
The Ohio State football team has now lost 14 players from its roster to the transfer portal as backup tight end Joe Royer announced that he will be entering. Royer, who has two seasons of eligibility left battled injuries this past season and never could carve out a role while in Columbus.
Royer is best known for filling in admirably in the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia when Cade Stover went down with an injury. He had one catch in that game but did a decent job in run blocking. Royer finished the 2023 season with only one catch for five yards against Minnesota.
This one surprises me a bit as there was going to be an avenue at playing time for Royer in 2024. Cade Stover will be gone to the NFL and that leaves only Gee Scott as the only other player with real game experience.
Maybe Royer saw the writing on the wall as true freshman Jelani Thurman is expected to take a leap next season. A top 100 overall player in the 2022 class, Thurman has a ton of natural ability and talent. He should compete with Scott for the starting role throughout the Spring and summer.
I also would not be surprised if Ohio State and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey went after an experienced tight end in the transfer portal. They certainly could use one.
Next. Grading the 2023 Buckeye coaching staff. dark
This Ohio State football team, especially on offense, is going to look vastly different. Head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline will have their work cut out for them this offseason. Between getting a new quarterback ready and trying to figure out the skill position players, there will be a ton of turnover this Spring in Columbus.