Over the years, Ohio State built a reputation for creating strong recruiting pipelines from high schools that consistently produce top talent. But with recent changes to transfer rules and more attention on the transfer portal, these pipelines are shifting.
One of the most interesting developments? The emerging pipeline from Alabama to Ohio State. Since Nick Saban’s retirement, a surprising number of Alabama players have transferred to Ohio State.
This blog post explores how the Buckeyes have become a new home for former Crimson Tide players. What does this mean for the future of Ohio State football?
The Evolution of Recruiting Pipelines
Traditionally, Ohio State leaned on high schools like Glenville in Cleveland and St. Edward in Lakewood to funnel top talent into their program. High schools outside Ohio—St. Thomas Aquinas, Mater Dei, Buford—have also been crucial sources of elite players.
But the transfer portal changed the game. These pipelines look different now, and the Buckeyes are adapting.
High School Pipelines
Ohio State’s high school recruiting connections have always been a core part of their success. Glenville and St. Edward regularly sent players who went on to shine in Columbus.
Out-of-state powerhouses have also played a big role here.
- Glenville in Cleveland
- St. Edward in Lakewood
- Out-of-state powerhouses like St. Thomas Aquinas, Mater Dei, and Buford
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
With changes to transfer rules and a growing focus on the portal, Ohio State’s recruiting approach keeps evolving. Now, the Buckeyes look for high school talent but also build connections with other college programs to bring in experienced players.
The Alabama-Ohio State Connection
No college program has become a pipeline to Ohio State quite like Alabama. In the past two transfer portal cycles, the Buckeyes have landed six players from Alabama.
This trend kicked off after Nick Saban retired, prompting many Crimson Tide players to look for new opportunities.
Key Transfers from Alabama
In 2024, safety Caleb Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin, and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin were among the first to make the move from Alabama to Ohio State. Not long after, defensive linemen James Smith and Qua Russaw, along with cornerback Cam Calhoun, joined them.
Safety Earl Little Jr. also transferred from Florida State to Ohio State after starting his career in Tuscaloosa.
- Caleb Downs – Safety
- Julian Sayin – Quarterback
- Seth McLaughlin – Offensive Lineman
- James Smith – Defensive Lineman
- Qua Russaw – Defensive Lineman
- Cam Calhoun – Cornerback
- Earl Little Jr. – Safety
The Impact of Nick Saban’s Retirement
Nick Saban’s surprise retirement on January 10, 2024, sent shockwaves through college football. During his reign, Saban built a dynasty at Alabama—winning 87.7 percent of his games and six national championships.
His exit sparked a mass exodus: 65 Crimson Tide players transferred from 2020 to 2023, and in the 2024 offseason alone, 40 players entered the transfer portal.
Player Reactions
Many players, like Caleb Downs, were stunned by Saban’s retirement. Downs admitted Saban was a major reason he picked Alabama in the first place.
Other players echoed that feeling. They wanted a program that competes for championships, and for several, Ohio State felt like the right fit.
Ohio State’s Consistent Success
While Alabama racked up national titles, Ohio State has been one of the most consistently successful programs out there. Since 2004, the Buckeyes have won at least 10 games every year (except for the weird, COVID-shortened 2020 season).
Head coach Ryan Day has kept Ohio State humming along, with a winning percentage of 87.5% at the time of Saban’s retirement. That’s pretty remarkable.
Why Ohio State?
Players leaving Alabama saw Ohio State as an appealing destination. The Buckeyes offer a competitive environment and a strong coaching staff.
Seth McLaughlin called Ohio State “one of the greatest programs in college football,” built on toughness, size, and talent. In just one year with the Buckeyes, he won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center—even after tearing his Achilles with two games left in the regular season. That kind of resilience? It’s impressive.
Success Stories
Several former Alabama players have thrived at Ohio State. Caleb Downs, after being named SEC Freshman of the Year and leading Alabama in tackles in 2023, became a two-time unanimous All-American, a Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy winner, and a national champion in two seasons with the Scarlet and Gray.
Julian Sayin, after learning as a backup to Will Howard, won the starting job and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist last season. Not too shabby for a transfer.
Future Prospects
Ohio State’s knack for attracting top talent from Alabama doesn’t look like a one-off. The Buckeyes keep recruiting well in Alabama, bringing in players like sophomore defensive end Zion Grady, redshirt freshman running back Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, and freshman defensive tackle Emanuel Ruffin.
With five players from Alabama on one roster, the Buckeyes have matched their all-time high from the state. Will this trend keep going? Hard to say, but it sure feels like something’s changing in college football recruiting.
The Road Ahead
The pipeline from Alabama to Ohio State is thriving right now. Still, who knows if this trend will keep rolling?
The Buckeyes aren’t just chasing former Crimson Tide players in the transfer portal. They’re after guys who fit what Ryan Day wants for his program.
Right now, it feels like the right mix of talent and opportunity has created something pretty special from Tuscaloosa to Columbus. Will it last? Hard to say, but it’s definitely worth watching.
For more detailed insights into how Alabama is becoming Ohio State football’s biggest transfer pipeline, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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