The Ohio State football team has finished the regular season. While they didn't finish it the way they wanted to with another loss to TTUN, they still have work left to do. They still are in contention to win a national championship. They will likely host a home playoff game too.
Still, the transfer portal officially opens on Monday. That means players who want to leave the Ohio State Buckeyes must declare by then. One player has already left. Another player has decided to leave and I was surprised that he even stayed for the 2024 season.
That player is receiver Jayden Ballard. Ballard came into this season as the third receiver and then quickly fell out of that spot with the emergence of Jeremiah Smith. Ballard has done very little in his four years with the Buckeyes, totaling just 11 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown.
Jayden Ballard will transfer from the Ohio State football team
Ballard is a senior, so he has just one year left of eligibility. He likely will have to go down to a lower conference to get playing time. He could end up at a MAC school for his final year. That's probably where he has the best chance to make an impact in his final collegiate season.
It was tough for Ballard to see the field with as much talent as the Buckeyes have at the receiver position. He's had to sit behind Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Smith. All of those guys have been first-round picks or will be.
When you commit to the Buckeyes as a receiver, you know the room is going to be competitive. Only the best of the best will get consistent snaps. Quite frankly, I was surprised he didn't transfer last season. His path to playing time this season was never clear.
We wish nothing but the best for Ballard at wherever he decides to end up.