The Ohio State football team has had 30 players leave in the Transfer Portal. That doesn't include the players who have graduated or have declared early for the NFL Draft. Simply put, there are a lot of Buckeyes who are no longer with the team heading into next year for one reason or another.
The portal closes in just a few days, so there is still an opportunity for players to declare their intent to transfer. That's not the most important deadline for the Ohio State Buckeyes. That would be the deadline to declare for the NFL Draft, which is just in a couple of days.
With the deadline drawing near, fans should watch for these three players to make decisions on their futures.
1. Max Klare
Tight end Max Klare is probably the most important piece that the Buckeyes are keeping an eye on. The transfer from Purdue had a solid season with the Buckeyes, being named First Team All-Big Ten this past year. He has not decided whether or not he will declare for the draft.
Keeping Klare is crucial for the Buckeyes heading into 2026. With how many receivers they have lost, it's critical for Ohio State to keep a pass-catcher that Julian Sayin trusts heading into his second year as a starting quarterback. Keeping him would be the best possible scenario.
2. Austin Siereveld
The starting left tackle for the Buckeyes was one of the best offensive linemen that Ohio State had this season, on a unit that struggled mightily at the end of the year. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten as he made the move to left tackle. He did a much better job at that spot than he did at right guard in 2024.
Siereveld is viewed as a borderline third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so he might decide to return. Keeping the man protecting Sayin's blindside is imperative to how the offensive line is going to be set up next season. He would be the best lineman returning next year if he decides to come back.
3. Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is someone who has an immense amount of talent, but he hasn't quite been able to put it together to be truly elite. This year was by far his best season with the Buckeyes, recording 6.5 sacks. He might decide to return in order to increase his draft stock.
Jackson Jr. leaving would leave Ohio State with even less depth than they have at the defensive line position than they do now, which is not a lot. Keeping him isn't as critical as it is keeping Klare or Siereveld, but he's still someone fans should be concerned about.