Ohio State football team's tight end depth becomes clear after transfer portal entry

The Ohio State football team has lost another player to the transfer portal, this time from the tight end position.

Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jelani Thurman (15) celebrates a touchdown catch with tight end Patrick Gurd (49) and tight end Will Kacmarek (89) during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jelani Thurman (15) celebrates a touchdown catch with tight end Patrick Gurd (49) and tight end Will Kacmarek (89) during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Members of the Ohio State football team are in a tricky spot. As the Buckeyes prepare for their game against the Longhorns of Texas in the Cotton Bowl, players have to make a decision about their future. They have to figure out if they are going to enter the transfer portal to find a new home.

Some former Buckeyes have already decided to enter the portal. Some of them already have new homes, while some are still trying to figure out where they want to go. A couple of players have already decided to enter the transfer portal since the Buckeyes beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

It's expected that George Fitzpatrick will enter the portal once the Buckeyes end their season, whenever that may be. That lessens the depth that the Buckeyes have on the offensive line. Meanwhile, a tight end has decided to leave Ohio State as well.

Ohio State football player Patrick Gurd will enter the transfer portal

Tight end Patrick Gurd will enter the transfer portal. He has played five seasons for the Buckeyes and he will use his COVID year for a final year of eligibility. Gurd was never a starter as a tight end, but played in 13 games for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season.

Gurd was mostly used as a goal-line tight end. His run blocking was a big part of what made him valuable to the Buckeyes. Now, he will try to bring that same skill to another team. He is also looking to get more catches, and another program will afford him that opportunity.

The depth at tight end is very full, especially with Max Klare coming in from Purdue. Ohio State has plenty of guys at that spot, so losing Gurd is not a big hit. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward, no matter where he ends up.

Schedule

Schedule