Ryan Day is gearing up for another electrifying season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off their national championship victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes triumphed 34-23 on January 20, marking their first national title since 2014. With an eye on repeating this success in 2025, Day faces the challenge of rebuilding his roster after several key players have departed.
Key Departures from the Buckeyes
The offseason has seen significant changes for Ohio State, with several pivotal players either transferring or declaring for the NFL draft. Among the most notable departures is quarterback Will Howard, who was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ championship run. On January 31, Howard announced his decision to enter the draft, expressing gratitude to Ohio State for their support during his tenure via social media.
Howard’s impressive stats speak volumes about his impact on the team. He ranked sixth in the league with 4,010 passing yards, completing 309 passes and throwing 35 touchdowns. He capped off his college career with a stellar performance against Notre Dame, completing 17-of-21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns.
Another significant loss for the Buckeyes is running back Quinshon Judkins, who opted not to return for his senior year. Judkins had a standout season, finishing with 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 194 carries. He also made a memorable mark in the championship game, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns while adding a touchdown reception.
New Faces in the Buckeyes’ Roster
To fill the gaps left by these departures, Day has turned to the transfer portal. One of the new additions is running back CJ Donaldson Jr., who previously played for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Donaldson had a commendable season, ranking third in rushing yards for West Virginia with 734 yards and 11 touchdowns on 163 carries.
However, the Buckeyes missed opportunities to secure other talented players who could have bolstered their chances in the upcoming season. Here’s a look at five key players that Ohio State should have pursued during the transfer portal window.
Ohio State transfer portal: Five players that Ryan Day should have secured
#5, Kewan Lacy, running back
One player that slipped through Day’s fingers is running back Kewan Lacy, who transferred from the Missouri Tigers. Despite being sixth in rushing yards for Missouri with just 104 yards on 23 carries, Lacy showcased potential during his freshman year. He entered the transfer portal seeking more playing time and eventually joined the Ole Miss Rebels. If Day had acquired Lacy, he could have provided depth at running back for the next two seasons, unlike Donaldson, who has only one year left of eligibility.
#4, Dane Key, wide receiver
Another missed opportunity was wide receiver Dane Key, who left the Kentucky Wildcats after an impressive three-year stint. Last season, Key recorded 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as the team’s top receiver. His standout performance came against Ole Miss, where he caught eight passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. With several wide receivers departing from Ohio State, Key could have provided an additional weapon for the Buckeyes’ offense.
#3, Marques Watson-Trent, linebacker
Linebacker Marques Watson-Trent, who transferred from Georgia Southern to Nebraska, is another player that could have strengthened Ohio State’s defense. Watson-Trent ranked 14th in the league with 120 total tackles and demonstrated his playmaking ability with four forced fumbles. With the loss of linebacker Cody Simon, Watson-Trent could have been a valuable addition to maintain the Buckeyes’ defensive prowess.
#2, Harrison Bailey, quarterback
As Day looks to fill the void left by Howard, former Louisville Cardinals backup quarterback Harrison Bailey emerged as a potential target. Bailey, who has committed to the Florida Gators, completed 24 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns last season. With backup quarterback Devin Brown also transferring to the California Golden Bears, Bailey could have provided much-needed depth and experience at the quarterback position.
#1, Tyler Van Dyke, quarterback
Finally, Tyler Van Dyke, a quarterback transferring from the Wisconsin Badgers to the SMU Mustangs, could have been a game-changer for Ohio State. Despite missing much of last season due to injury, Van Dyke boasts an impressive college career, completing 624 passes for 7,900 yards and 55 touchdowns. His experience could have been invaluable for Day as he prepares for another championship run while also grooming younger quarterbacks like Tavien St. Clair.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, Ryan Day faces the dual challenge of rebuilding his roster while maintaining the high expectations that come with being a powerhouse in college football. With the departures of key players like Howard and Judkins, the pressure is on to find the right mix of talent through the transfer portal and incoming recruits.
The upcoming season will be crucial for Ohio State as they aim to defend their national title and continue their legacy as one of college football’s elite programs. With a mix of new faces and returning talent, the Buckeyes are poised to make another run at glory. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
