Three transfer portal players Ohio State should target for the 2025 season

With the NCAA transfer portal officially opening on December 9th, college football teams across the country will be looking to bolster their rosters, and the Ohio State football team is no exception. Although the Buckeyes have a strong foundation, there are critical areas where depth or upgrades could be needed, particularly as they aim to return to the College Football Playoff and contend for a national title. Here are three players Ohio State should prioritize in the transfer portal this offseason:

1. Jesus Gomez, Kicker, Eastern Michigan (Redshirt Senior)

Ohio State has had glaring issues in the kicking game this season. Jayden Fielding, while he was consistent for most of the year, has been unreliable in pressure situations and lacks leg strength for long-range attempts. His struggles culminated in missed field goals in crucial moments, including against Nebraska and, more notably, in the rivalry game against Michigan. Although Ryan Day has expressed confidence in Fielding in press conferences, it is obvious the kicking game is not where it should be for a major title contender like Ohio State.

Enter Jesus Gomez, one of the top kickers in the transfer portal. A proven long-distance threat, Gomez nailed a 57-yard field goal against Washington this season and has six career field goals of 50+ yards. He has also shown consistency, never missing more than one field goal in a game this year. His ability to connect from beyond 50 yards would provide Ohio State with a valuable weapon, especially in close games. By bringing in Gomez, head coach Ryan Day could address a key weakness and gain confidence in a kicking game that has often left points on the field.

2. Micah Hudson, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech (Sophomore)

Ohio State's reputation for producing elite wide receivers is unmatched, but the Buckeyes are not immune to depth concerns. With the recent transfer portal departures of Kojo Antwi and Jayden Ballard, adding another dynamic playmaker to the receiver room makes sense, particularly when considering potential injuries or rotation needs.

Micah Hudson, a former 5-star recruit and the No. 4 wide receiver in the 2024 class, would be an ideal addition. Despite battling injuries in his freshman year at Texas Tech, Hudson has flashed the elite athleticism and playmaking ability that made him one of the most coveted recruits in his class. Ohio State's expected starting trio of Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss is formidable, but bringing in Hudson would give the Buckeyes another elite option and insurance should injury strike.

Hudson's ability to stretch the field and his versatility as a receiver would also allow Ohio State to mix and match their wideouts in creative ways, keeping defenses on their heels. The depth and talent Hudson brings would ensure the Buckeyes' potential to have one of the most potent passing attacks in college football.

3. Julian Humphrey, Cornerback, Georgia (Redshirt Junior)

The Ohio State secondary is in need of reinforcements, especially with veteran cornerback Denzel Burke heading to the NFL. While Jermaine Mathews Jr. is poised to step into a starting role, the situation is murkier for the opposite corner spot, with Davison Igbinosun struggling with penalties throughout the season. Igbinosun leads the country with 13 penalties, and several were detrimental to Ohio State's defense, leading to extended drives for opponents.

Julian Humphrey, a highly regarded cornerback from Georgia, could help solidify Ohio State's secondary. Humphrey is a physical, athletic defender with experience competing against top-tier SEC competition. According to reports, he is expected to consider powerhouse programs like Texas, Alabama, and Miami, but Ohio State should throw its hat in the ring. The Buckeyes' defensive back room has depth, with talented young players like Devin Sanchez and Calvin Simpson-Hunt, but adding an experienced veteran like Humphrey would provide much-needed stability.

Humphrey's combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a perfect fit for man coverage, which is also Igbinosun's strength. Humphrey has only committed one penalty this year, while Igbinosun has committed 13. If he can step in and compete for a starting role, his presence would give Ohio State flexibility and help limit the type of mistakes that cost them time and time again.

Final Thoughts

Ohio State is consistently in the mix for national championships, but to take the next step, the Buckeyes need to address critical areas of weakness. Adding Jesus Gomez would improve the kicking game, a crucial yet often overlooked component of winning in the margins. Micah Hudson would bolster an already elite wide receiver room, providing valuable depth and insurance. Finally, Julian Humphrey would add veteran leadership to a secondary in transition, potentially fixing a vulnerability that plagued Ohio State this past season.

As the transfer portal opens on December 9th, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes should be aggressive in their pursuit of these impact players, to help ensure they remain contenders for years to come.