**JUST IN: Ohio State Loses 21 Good Players to the Transfer Portal, Head Coach Expresses Disappointment**
In a shocking development for the Ohio State football program, 21 key players have entered the transfer portal, signaling a significant blow to the team’s depth and future prospects. The mass departure, which includes several starters and highly touted recruits, has sent ripples through the Buckeyes’ fanbase and left head coach Ryan Day deeply disappointed.
The move has come as a surprise to many, considering the strength of the Ohio State football program in recent years, but a number of factors have likely contributed to the decision by these players. The influx of high-profile transfers, changes in the coaching staff, and the evolving landscape of college football in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era may have influenced their choices.
Head Coach Ryan Day, who has guided the Buckeyes to numerous successful seasons, expressed his frustration with the sudden exodus in a statement earlier today. “Losing 21 good players to the portal is incredibly disheartening,” Day said. “We work tirelessly to develop talent, build strong relationships with our players, and foster a winning culture. To see so many individuals leave at once is a challenge, and it’s not something we take lightly. We’ll continue to support those who have chosen to move on, but it’s clear that we need to assess our approach and ensure that we’re doing everything possible to retain the talent we have in-house.”
Among the 21 players lost to the portal, several were expected to play pivotal roles for the Buckeyes in the coming season. Quarterback Kyle McCord, defensive back Jordan Hancock, and running back Miyan Williams were all key contributors last year and were anticipated to be integral pieces of Ohio State’s 2025 roster. Their departures are sure to cause major shakeups both on the field and in the locker room.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly important tool for players looking for more playing time or opportunities in different programs, and Ohio State is no exception to this trend. However, the scale of this departure has raised eyebrows. The Buckeyes have long been a staple in the Big Ten and a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, making the sudden mass exodus even more surprising.
Ryan Day’s disappointment stems not just from losing talent, but from the broader impact this could have on the program’s future. Recruiting, player retention, and team morale will undoubtedly be under increased scrutiny in the months ahead. “This is a wake-up call for us,” Day continued. “We need to address the issues that are leading to these decisions and ensure that we’re providing the best possible environment for our players to succeed, both on and off the field.”
There’s also speculation that some players may have left in search of more playing time, as Ohio State’s roster has been loaded with elite recruits and established stars at multiple positions. With competition for spots at a fever pitch, some players may have felt they needed to seek opportunities elsewhere to ensure they remained on track for their personal and professional goals.
While the departure of such a large group of players is undoubtedly a challenge, Ohio State’s strong recruiting pipeline means the program will likely replenish its roster with talent in the coming seasons. Additionally, with the transfer portal itself serving as a potential solution for the Buckeyes to find replacements, the future of Ohio State football remains bright, albeit with some adjustments to be made.
In the meantime, Ohio State fans and players alike are left to ponder what this latest shakeup means for the program moving forward. One thing is certain: Coach Ryan Day and his staff will be working around the clock to adapt and rebuild, with hopes of continuing Ohio State’s proud football tradition.