The focus has quickly shifted for Ohio State and Ryan Day, as there's no time to waste thinking about the CFP loss to Miami. Instead, Day is on the hunt for top targets in the transfer portal, as there are several positions of need for the 2026 locker room.
The Ohio State football team secures visit from Texas WR transfer
Despite things opening up on Friday, it's clear that there are playmakers who Day and his staff are zeroing in on both on offense and defense. Will a commit or two be on the way in the coming days? Maybe. Here are five players for Buckeyes fans to keep a close eye on moving forward.
5. Penn State transfer Chaz Coleman is high on Ohio State
To get us going, pass-rusher Chaz Coleman is obviously at the top of the list for a lot of people. The 5-star transfer just wrapped up his first campaign with Penn State, but with James Franklin getting fired, Coleman is leaving the Nittany Lions. He was immediately linked to Ohio State and several predictions have come in for Coleman to ultimately commit to Ohio State. However, Tennessee, LSU and others are hoping to sign him as well.
4. Illinois transfer David Olano would fill a major position of need
It goes without saying, but Ohio State football needs a quality new kicker to make the move to Columbus. Jayden Fielding was a major disappointment to close out the season, but he's also out of eligibility. All-Big Ten kicker David Olano is in the portal and the Buckeyes have already offered him. He'd provide stability at the position - go out and land him.
3. Minnesota transfer Koi Perich is a top target for a lot of schools
Koi Perich just announced he was leaving the Gophers and Ohio State fans are already dreaming. Perich was a superstar for Minnesota in 2025 and he'd be an instant stud for Ohio State if he was to join his former team's Big Ten foe. However, Miami is also making a quick run here, as the Canes are hoping to reunite him with former Minnesota DC Corey Hetherman.
2. Texas WR DeAndre Moore Jr. is at Ohio State for an official visit
Could an early pledge/signing come via a wide receiver leaving Austin? That's very much in the cards when it comes to DeAndre Moore Jr., as it has been confirmed that he's on campus for an official visit. While wideout help isn't something Day is desperate for, Carnell Tate is likely off to the NFL Draft. With that, bringing in someone like Moore to help Julian Sayin keep throwing the ball all over the field would be a pretty solid recruiting win.
1. Auburn CB Kayin Lee could help with some DB departures
Last, but not least on our list is Auburn transfer Kayin Lee. For the secondary, Ohio State is going to need some help in replacing departing bodies and Lee wasted no time in scheduling his OSU visit - he's on campus on Sunday for his OV. If things go well for him during his weekend stay, maybe he'll immediately pull the trigger and shut down his recruitment.