The transfer portal is in full swing. Guys are starting to commit to other programs now that it has been open for over a week. The Ohio State football program finally got a commitment on Wednesday. A few former Ohio State Buckeyes have started making visits to other schools as well.
One of the ex-Buckeyes who is in the portal Is Jayden Ballard. Ballard was with the Buckeyes for four seasons before deciding to enter the portal. He really wasn't a factor in any of the seasons he wore the Scarlet and Gray because Ohio State had some really great receivers ahead of him on the depth chart.
Ballard was the first receiver to enter the portal from the Buckeyes. He was followed by Kojo Antwi. Now, Ballard has decided on which college program he will be continuing his college career with. It happens to be another Big Ten program with a former Buckeye coach.
Former Ohio State football player commits to Wisconsin
Ballard has decided to commit to Wisconsin. He will now play for Luke Fickell and the Badgers. Ballard has just 11 career receptions over his four seasons with the Buckeyes. Quite frankly, it's a bit of a surprise that another Big Ten program was interested in him.
It's not that Ballard doesn't have talent, because he does. He was a former four-star recruit for a reason. But he doesn't have a lot of positive film out there. I'm not sure how much he's going to play with the Badgers. They run more of an up-tempo, pass-first style, so maybe that will benefit him.
This is the third time in three years that a former Buckeye receiver has transferred to another Big Ten program. Kaleb Brown transferred to Iowa a couple of seasons ago (and is in the portal again now) and Julian Fleming transferred to Penn State this past season.