The Ohio State Buckeyes are experiencing a transformative offseason as they prepare for the 2026 college football season. Following a disappointing exit in the first round of the College Football Playoffs, the Buckeyes have faced significant roster changes, losing over 25 players to the NCAA Transfer Portal. This exodus has been attributed to various factors, including limited playing time, more lucrative NIL opportunities, and a mismatch between players and the Columbus environment.
Despite the loss of depth, a few standout players will be missed considerably in the upcoming season. Among these players are Mylan Graham, Joshua Mickens, and Quincy Porter, each of whom was poised to become a key contributor had they remained with the Buckeyes.
Mylan Graham, a wide receiver, has decided to transfer to Notre Dame, where he aims to establish himself as a primary target alongside the Fighting Irish’s limited focus on wideouts. With Carnell Tate moving on to the NFL, Graham’s departure leaves a vacancy that freshman Chris Henry Jr. will likely fill. Despite having only six receptions for 93 yards during limited playing time over his two seasons at Ohio State, Graham’s potential is evident, and his absence may be felt deeply by the team.
Defensive end Joshua Mickens also made the decision to leave, opting to join UConn. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound athlete has struggled for consistent playing time at Ohio State, appearing in only 12 games across two seasons. His high school accolades, including being the No. 101 recruit in the Class of 2023, showcase his ability, leaving questions about why he couldn’t break into the lineup. Ohio State’s defensive line is set to endure significant changes, and Mickens’ departure compounds the challenge, although Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is expected to be a cornerstone for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Quincy Porter follows in Graham’s footsteps, transferring to Notre Dame after a limited freshman season where he caught four passes for 59 yards. Both he and Graham were projected as significant assets to Ohio State’s receiving corps alongside anticipated star Jeremiah Smith. Their departures force the Buckeyes to rethink strategies and develop younger talent quickly in order to maintain competitiveness in an evolving collegiate landscape.
As Ohio State gears up for the 2026 season, the impact of these transfers could significantly influence their performance, particularly in the receiving game. The Buckeyes are now tasked with finding solutions to fill these gaps left by Graham, Mickens, and Porter. While the offseason has been tumultuous, there is hope that the fresh talent arriving in Columbus will rise to the occasion and drive the program forward, promising an exciting and challenging season ahead.