A new ruling has allowed everyone from the 2022 recruiting class to get a fifth year of eligibility immediately. That means that there are seniors from last year's roster who are going to try to come back to college football to get more NIL and get another year to prove they are NFL-ready.
It sounds like Jayden Fielding is going to try to do that, although he won't be coming back to the Buckeyes. In fact, there's really only one player whom they would even consider bringing back, although they have already replaced his position on the depth chart.
Ohio State could consider bringing back Bennett Christian
Of the former Ohio State football players who are affected by this new ruling, they would only consider bringing Bennet Christian back. The tight end went undrafted this past April, and now he is free to do anything he wants. The Buckeyes used him sparingly in the last two years.
In fact, Christian only caught seven passes in the last two years combined. Of course, he was used more as a blocker. Christian was suspended from the team for a year, so coming back for a final year would be great in his eyes. However, a return to Columbus might not be in the cards.
Ohio State has already replaced the tight end spot by adding a couple of players from the Transfer Portal. Of course, they lost three tight ends from this past year, so bringing Christian back might not be the worst idea, especially if Arthur Smith is going to have a more run-heavy offensive scheme.
At this point, it seems unlikely that Ohio State will take advantage of this new ruling in any meaningful way. There aren't really any players from that class whom they would be able to bring in, since most of them were drafted. In fact, Ohio State might be the program least affected by this new ruling.
Ohio State has its roster set for the 2026 season
Even with the ruling going into effect, the Buckeyes are not going to change the roster they have set. They are gearing up for a run to a national championship this year with the roster they have right now. The Buckeyes don't have much room for players to return, either.
Is there a chance they look at a player from another program who is looking to utilize the extra year of eligibility? Of course, but it won't be very many players. If that does happen, the Buckeyes are well-equipped to integrate them immediately into the fray.
However, it seems very unlikely that they will add anyone else to the roster before they start Fall camp or the beginning of the regular season. It looks like the roster they have right now is going to be the one that they carry on to the season.
The Buckeyes should have a great chance to win a national title with the offense that returns. Adding another piece to that high-flying offense looks unlikely.
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