The Buckeyes continue to stay active in the portal, landing their 2026 kicker and looking for more
Ohio State needed to find a kicker for their 2026 roster. A program that hasn’t exceeded their own expectations on special teams the last few years, it really starts with the kicking game. The Buckeyes knew the transfer portal had to be their way to address the issue, and fortunately on Wednesday they did just that.
Like the last few days, Ohio State stayed successful on the commitment front, landing Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins. As solid of an addition as you could hope for, Hawkins’ track record screams consistency, and that’s exactly what the Buckeyes were looking for.
Hawkins in 2025 was a perfect 37-for-37 with his extra points, 18-of-22 on field goals, and recorded a 54-yarder as his longest successful attempt. Quickly rumored to be visiting Ohio State on Thursday once he entered the transfer portal, clearly he wasted no time making his next move.
Special teams being a third of the game, when it’s noticed it’s clearly a problem, and at a program like Ohio State that cannot be the case. Missed kicks are going to happen to any kicker, but the Buckeyes needed an upgrade at the position, and Hawkins meets that need.
A coaching staff that is doing their best to improve the roster daily while they have the chance, kicker was the latest priority, and with Hawkins’ entrance into the portal, the Buckeyes were able to get it done.
Buckeyes targeting Florida State duo?
Ohio State has a couple of positions now that have really taken a hit depth wise thanks to the transfer portal as seen the last week or so. Whether it be guys the staff didn’t want to lose or players the coaches are fine with moving on from, there’s been changes aplenty to keep track of.
On the defensive side of the ball though specifically, the secondary and defensive line units have seen a large sum of their depth look elsewhere, and that means the Buckeyes have to do the same.
Looking at the trenches, there have been some major positives thus far. Ohio State has landed John Walker from UCF and of course the Alabama duo of Qua Russaw and James Smith. Three players that will contribute in large ways in 2026, the coaching staff is not finished yet trying to add to their roster.
The addition of both Mandrell and Darryll Desir to the transfer portal is certainly the next two names worth watching. Twin brothers leaving Florida State for a new home, the two have been all over social media this week as potential players to enter the portal, but Wednesday’s confirmation means the Buckeyes will be doing all they can to be real players for their services.
Mandrell the No. 11 player and third best edge rusher per the 247Sports transfer rankings, Darryll being the No. 22 player and fourth best edge rusher is exactly what you’d want to see added to this roster. Surely Ohio State needs to do what they can here to make it happen.
Look for the Buckeyes to try and get the brothers on campus if they are serious about pursuing the duo.
Quick Hits
More commitments sure to come for Ohio State, the buzz and momentum recently points to the Buckeyes adding LSU transfer receiver target, Kyle Parker. The No. 343 player and 65th best receiver per the 247Sports transfer portal rankings, seeing the Buckeyes as a player here makes sense considering their newly named position coach.
With multiple crystal ball predictions in favor of Ohio State landing him, the receiver spot could certainly use at least one more player addition for depth, and Parker may be the most likely candidate. Totaling 300-plus yards on 31 receptions this season, Parker’s four touchdowns would be a boost for the offensive attack if he can replicate the work.
Now the waiting game has to be played to see where he lands.
In addition to the possible addition of Parker, Ohio State looks to be well on their way of landing a defensive back to their portal acquisitions by way of Alabama transfer, Cam Calhoun. The No. 329 player and 25th best cornerback per the 247Sports transfer portal grades, Calhoun as well is seeing his named pegged to the Buckeyes via the crystal ball.
Needing to address the cornerback spot, Ohio State looks poised to get this recruitment done. It would be a really solid development for a defense that is looking to re-load and not rebuild on their 2025 season.
For a comprehensive look at everyone coming and going for Ohio State in the transfer portal, check out Land-Grant Holy Land’s live tracker.
Category: General Sports
