The Ohio State football program tried to steal some recruits from Penn State after they decided to fire James Franklin. While the Buckeyes were not able to bring anyone in, the Nittany Lions' class was decimated. They only had two recruits sign during the early signing period.
With Franklin gone, a lot of Penn State players are about to hit the transfer portal. One player that the Buckeyes have had their eyes on for a while is Chaz Coleman. Coleman is a former five-star recruit whom the Ohio State Buckeyes recruited hard since he's an in-state kid.
Coleman decided to sign with Penn State and play for James Franklin. With Franklin no longer there, Coleman no longer wants to be in State College. He has now announced his intention to enter the Transfer Portal, and Ohio State is the early favorite to land him.
The Ohio State football team could land elite player Chaz Coleman
Colman is an edge player that the Buckeyes wanted to bring in badly in the 2025 recruiting class. As a freshman, Coleman played sparingly as a freshman this year for the Nittany Lions, recording just eight tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Ohio State is looked at as the instant favorite to land Coleman once he hits the portal. He was between the Buckeyes and Penn State when Signing Day rolled around, so it would make sense for him to come to Columbus. The Warren, Ohio, native would fit in very well in Matt Patricia's scheme.
With Ohio State set to lose so much talent on the defensive line, Coleman would have a shot to start right away. His speed on the edge is something that the Buckeyes covet, especially on pass-rushing downs. They love being able to rush the passer with just four down linemen.
Since the portal doesn't officially open until January 2, Ohio State can't bring him, or any other portal players, into the fold for a few weeks. It would be surprising if Coleman ended up anywhere else.