The Ohio State football program has navigated the world of the Transfer Portal as best it can. They have rarely missed in the portal, only whiffing on Ethan Onianwa. However, they have had several players leave the program in the last few years, as well.
Since the portal became easier to access, the Buckeyes have had several players leave in search of what they perceive as better opportunities. However, the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are several players who had a great chance for playing time with the Buckeyes, but they decided to leave anyway.
Over the last full cycle of eligibility, which means dating back to the 2022 recruiting class, there are three players who likely deeply regret leaving the Ohio State Buckeyes. We start with a quarterback who could have been the starter at one point had he decided to stay.
1. Air Noland
Air Noland was an intriguing quarterback prospect out of high school. He was a four-star recruit who committed in the 2024 recruiting class. After the disaster that was Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes needed to figure out a new starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
Noland was never going to win that job as a true freshman, but he had a shot to fight for it in 2025. However, he decided to leave even before that season, heading for South Carolina. He didn't even want to fight with Julian Sayin for the starting job. In fact, hit the portal before Sayin even transferred to Ohio State.
Since leaving the Buckeyes, it has been a rough path for Noland. He headed to South Carolina, where he has ridden the bench behind LaNorris Sellers. This past offseason, he transferred to Memphis. This will be his last chance to get playing time, and there's no guarantee he ever gets it.
2. Caleb Burton III
Caleb Burton III was part of the 2022 recruiting class. He was a four-star recruit who was expected to be one of the next great Ohio State receivers. However, he surprisingly left the program after just one year, after not seeing the playing time he thought he deserved.
Burton III left for Auburn. In two seasons with the Tigers, he accumulated just 18 catches for 275 yards. After the 2024 season, he transferred to UConn. However, he never played for the Huskies. He's now out of football after he could have had a shot to play for the Buckeyes.
3. Jyaire Brown
Jyaire Brown was another member of the 2022 recruiting class. He was a four-star cornerback out of the state of Ohio who looked promising. However, he didn't last long in Columbus. He played two seasons with the Buckeyes, accumulating nine total tackles and a forced fumble.
That was the most playing time he saw. After the 2023 season, he transferred to LSU. He hardly played there before transferring to UCF. Once again, he hardly saw any snaps. Now, he is playing at Southern Miss for his final year of eligibility. Had he stayed in Columbus, he might have eventually become a starter.
Add us as a preferred source on Google