Ohio State Faces Potential Transfer Portal Exits During CFP

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The Ohio State football team wants to snag back-to-back national championships. Nobody’s done it since Georgia pulled it off in 2021-22.

But right now, the Buckeyes are in a tough spot after dropping their first game of the season to Indiana. With the transfer portal window open from January 2-16, they also risk losing some key players.

This article looks at three Ohio State players who could jump into the transfer portal during this crucial stretch.

Table of Contents

The Buckeyes’ Quest for Consecutive Championships

Ohio State’s chasing history, hoping to win two national championships in a row. Even after their stumble against Indiana, the Buckeyes are preparing to face the winner of Texas A&M vs. Miami.

If they win, they’ll move forward in the College Football Playoff (CFP). That transfer portal window, though—yeah, it complicates things.

The portal lets players check out other programs, and the Buckeyes could lose some talent during this time. Here are the players most likely to consider leaving, which could shake up Ohio State’s depth chart in the CFP.

Players at Risk of Entering the Transfer Portal

Sam Dixon: Running Back

Sam Dixon already tried the transfer portal last season but ended up staying. Now, two freshman running backs—Bo Jackson and Isaiah West—have leapfrogged him on the depth chart.

That leaves Dixon with pretty limited chances for playing time. For a guy who wants to actually see the field, sticking around in Columbus just doesn’t seem realistic.

His odds of getting real snaps in the College Football Playoff are pretty low. Honestly, moving to another program might be his best shot at more action.

C.J. Hicks: Linebacker Turned Defensive End

C.J. Hicks switched from linebacker to defensive end this season. He seemed excited about the change, but his playing time kept shrinking.

Last year, he played less, and this year he ended up redshirting. Maybe he’ll see the field in the CFP, but next season doesn’t look promising for him.

He hasn’t matched the hype from his high school days. Maybe a new start somewhere else would help him make the most of his last year of eligibility.

Jason Moore: Defensive Line

Ohio State had to replace its entire starting defensive line this season, which should have been a big opportunity for Jason Moore. But Moore just hasn’t delivered—he’s only managed seven tackles in two years.

Even with more openings coming up on the line next season, Moore doesn’t look ready to step up. Maybe it’s time for him to see what he can do with a fresh start somewhere else.

Conclusion

The Ohio State Buckeyes want back-to-back national championships, but honestly, the transfer portal window feels like a real headache right now. Players like Sam Dixon, C.J. Hicks, and Jason Moore might leave, and that’s bound to shake up the team’s depth.

Still, with some smart moves and a bit of luck, Ohio State can get through this stretch. If you want to dig deeper into who might be leaving and what it all means, check out the full article on the Scarlet and Game website here.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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