Unfortunately for the Ohio State faithful, losing out on a top prospect is something they've seen far too often over the past year due to the Buckeyes losing a bidding war. With the transfer portal open, might some more heartbreak be on the way?
Ryan Day should consider this former Ohio State quarterback for OC position
Things are trending in that direction when it comes to Penn State EDGE transfer Chaz Coleman. He's at the top of the board for so many people out there, and with Coleman being an Ohio native, Buckeyes supporters are dreaming of him coming home.
However, both Tennessee and LSU are leading the race right now. Coleman was in Baton Rouge over the weekend for a visit and he's going to be in Knoxville this week too. Unfortunately, it looks like Ohio State is fading quickly. Will athletic director Ross Bjork put his money where his mouth is?
Steve Wiltfong on College Football XM said right now it's Tennessee or LSU for Chaz Coleman who is out in front. He said let's see if Ohio State gets their money right in the end as they were the first team he mentioned when entering the portal.
— JBook. (@JBook_37) January 5, 2026
Ohio State is fading fast in the race to sign Chaz Coleman this offseason
The hope here is that Steve Wiltfong left the door open for Bjork and Ohio State to get their 'money right' in order to make this happen. If Ohio State does miss out on Coleman and he signs with either Tennessee or LSU, we don't have to tell you that there are going to be a lot of angry people out there.
Lane Kiffin and LSU are ready to break the bank to bring in top playmakers via the portal, we know that much for sure. As for Tennessee, former Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is now leading the Vols' defense, so a reunion of sorts could be in play.
Coleman is ranked five stars, the No. 1 EDGE in the country and No. 5 player overall in the transfer portal per 247Sports. He was born to bring down quarterbacks and it's not a shocker that so many schools are not only after him, but they're also willing to put a lot of dough on the table.
This is not something Ohio State has been known for - getting into a bidding war with other teams. Normally, the Buckeye brand is enough to reel in the best players out there, but Coleman isn't going to come cheap. It's going to be on Bjork to make some magic happen here. If he doesn't, Coleman looks like he'll be SEC-bound instead.