Heading into this offseason, the Ohio State football program had plenty of needs. After losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl, it was clear they needed to improve on the offensive line, the defensive line, and special teams. Those were the big differences in the game.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have done a good job of addressing the defensive line, adding three players from the Transfer Portal so far. The offensive line may have had addition by subtraction with Tegra Tshabola leaving. Still, they haven't added any players yet from the portal.
Kicker is perhaps the biggest need that the Buckeyes came into the offseason with. After Jayden Fielding missed critical field goals in back-to-back games, the issue at kicker has never been more apparent. They seem to finally be addressing that issue by hosting a kicker for a visit.
Ohio State football program hosting Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins
Connor Hawkins, a kicker from Baylor, has entered the Transfer Portal. He will be visiting the Buckeyes on Thursday. It should be the only visit that he makes as far as Ohio State is concerned. They need to lock down a commitment from him while he's in town.
Hawkins was the starting kicker for the Bears as a redshirt freshman this past season. He made 82 percent of his kicks, including 3/4 from 50+ yards. His long was 54 this past season. Fielding did not have a big leg, so having a kicker who can actually make long field goals would be nice.
What's even better is that Hawkins was 10/10 from 20-40 yards. Fielding missed a 28-yarder in the Big Ten Championship, which ultimately cost them the game. Bringing Hawkins to Columbus next season is an absolute must if Ohio State wants to compete for a title.
Adding Hawkins would not just address the kicking position for next season, but for the next two or three seasons. They need someone whom they can rely on late in games. Hawkins might be that guy.