Breaking news for Ohio State football fans: the defensive end, Joshua Mickens, has decided to enter the transfer portal, marking the end of his three-year journey with the Buckeyes. This move comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Mickens' impressive four-star status when he joined the 2023 recruiting class. However, his playing time at Ohio State was limited, with only six tackles and one sack recorded over the past two years.
Despite his limited game time, Mickens still has two years of eligibility left, which he will bring to his next school. His departure follows the Buckeyes' recent transfer addition of former Alabama edge rusher, Qua Russaw, which may have influenced Mickens' decision. Had he stayed, Mickens would likely have remained on the outskirts of the defensive end rotation, especially if Kenyatta Jackson Jr. opts to play his fifth-year senior season.
Mickens is not alone in his decision to transfer, as he is the 29th Buckeye to enter the portal since the end of the season. Here's a breakdown of the other Ohio State players who have made the same move:
Transfer Portal Departures from Ohio State (2026):
- Bryson Rodgers, Wide Receiver (USF)
- Jelani Thurman, Tight End (North Carolina)
- Lincoln Kienholz, Quarterback (Louisville)
- Bryce West, Nickel (Wisconsin)
- C.J. Hicks, Defensive End (USF)
- Sam Dixon, Running Back (South Carolina)
- Dominic Kirks, Defensive End (Washington)
- Logan George, Defensive End (Washington)
- Damarion Witten, Wide Receiver
- James Peoples, Running Back (Penn State)
- Jackson Courville, Kicker (Tulane)
- Nick McLarty, Punter (Arizona State)
- Devontae Armstrong, Offensive Lineman
- Isaiah Kema, Offensive Lineman (Utah)
- Aaron Scott Jr., Cornerback
- Mylan Graham, Wide Receiver
- TeGra Tshabola, Offensive Guard (Kentucky)
- Justin Terry, Offensive Tackle
- Quincy Porter, Wide Receiver (Notre Dame)
- Jayvon McFadden, Offensive Lineman
- Maxwell Roy, Defensive Tackle (UCLA)
- Keenan Nelson Jr., Safety
- Eric Mensah, Defensive Tackle (Virginia Tech)
- Jarquez Carter, Defensive Tackle (Miami)
- Malik Hartford, Safety
- Ty Howard, Linebacker
- Bodpegn Miller, Wide Receiver
- Faheem Delane, Safety
- Joshua Mickens, Defensive End
These transfers highlight the dynamic nature of college football and the ever-changing rosters. It will be interesting to see where these players land and how they impact their new teams. What do you think about these transfer decisions? Do you see any potential impact players among this group? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
