Ohio State's 2025 season ended abruptly, leaving a trail of departing players and a program in transition. The Buckeyes' offensive transfers have found new homes, each with their own unique story and potential impact. From the quarterback room to the wide receiver corps, these players are shaping their new programs and carving out roles for themselves in the 2026 season. Let's dive into the journeys of these talented individuals and explore the implications for their new teams.
LINCOLN KIENHOLZ: A NEW BEGINNING AT LOUISVILLE
Lincoln Kienholz, a former four-star prospect, always faced an uphill battle to start at Ohio State. Despite his talent, he struggled to find a consistent role, particularly in the quarterback competition. After losing the battle to Julian Sayin, Kienholz entered the transfer portal and found a fresh start at Louisville. The Cardinals, led by head coach Jeff Brohm, are counting on Kienholz to be their starting quarterback in 2026. His athleticism and experience make him a strong candidate, and his early standing within the program is an indication of his potential impact.
BODPEGN MILLER: DEVELOPMENTAL PROSPECT AT WASHINGTON
Bodpegn Miller, a high school dual-threat quarterback, committed to Ohio State as a developmental prospect. After not seeing the field as a freshman, he entered the transfer portal following the departure of position coach Brian Hartline. At Washington, Miller faces a challenging task, as the Huskies must replace starting receivers. While he isn't likely to step into a prominent role right away, his potential as a talented wide receiver cannot be overlooked.
JAYVON MCFADDEN: REBUILDING THE OFFENSIVE LINE AT COLORADO
Jayvon McFadden, a young player in a developmental role, spent one season at Ohio State with limited opportunities. With all but one offensive line starter returning in 2026, McFadden transferred to Colorado to contribute to their effort to rebuild the offensive line. Despite being a backup in 2026, his experience and development will be valuable to the Buffaloes.
MYLAN GRAHAM: PROVING HIMSELF AT NOTRE DAME
Mylan Graham, the second-highest-rated receiver in Ohio State's 2025 recruiting class, struggled to get on the field in two seasons with the Buckeyes. With the departure of Hartline, Graham entered the transfer portal and found a new home at Notre Dame. After a strong start to life in South Bend, he is in line to start at receiver for the Irish in 2026, alongside Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse.
JUSTIN TERRY: A BACKUP AT VIRGINIA TECH
Justin Terry, who redshirted as a true freshman at West Virginia, transferred to Ohio State but struggled to find a role. After failing to find a primary back and with offensive line talent returning, Terry re-entered the transfer portal and committed to Virginia Tech. While he is likely to serve as a backup in 2026, his experience and development will be valuable to the Hokies.
DEVONTAE ARMSTRONG: A ROLE AT MIMAI (OHIO)
Devontae Armstrong, who struggled to find a role on the offensive line at Ohio State, entered the transfer portal and will remain in his home state, heading to Miami (Ohio). His experience with the Scarlet and Gray will help him as he prepares to begin his career in the Mid-American Conference. While there is little reporting on the RedHawks' offseason, it would be surprising if Armstrong didn't have a role in Oxford this fall.
QUINCY PORTER: COMPETING FOR A BIGGER ROLE AT NOTRE DAME
Quincy Porter, a freshman for the Buckeyes in 2025, contributed in his first year in Columbus. However, he missed an opportunity to break out when Tate and Smith missed time late in the year. After undergoing a knee procedure, Porter entered the transfer portal and found a new home at Notre Dame. While he was limited during spring practice, he has a chance to compete for a bigger role when he's healthy.
JAMES PEOPLES: SPLITTING CARRIES AT PENN STATE
James Peoples, who spent two seasons as a Buckeye but struggled to find a consistent role, transferred to Penn State. With two years of experience, including contributing to a national championship in 2024, Peoples gives new Nittany Lion head coach Matt Campbell something few can offer. The expectation is that he and Carson Hansen will split carries, with Hansen serving as the power back and Peoples as a change-of-pace rusher.
TEGRA TSHABOLA: STARTING AT KENTUCKY
Tegra Tshabola, who started on the Buckeye offensive line in each of the last two seasons, entered the transfer portal and committed to Kentucky. His experience at the highest level will benefit the Wildcats, and he is expected to start at right guard, forming an experienced tandem with center Coleton Price.
DAMARION WITTEN-MIAMI (OHIO): A TALL SKILL-POSITION PLAYER AT THE MAC LEVEL
Damarion Witten, a three-star tight end from Cleveland's Glenville High School, converted to wide receiver after redshirting his freshman season. With Hartline leaving, Witten sought a program that might offer him a better chance to get on the field and transferred to Miami (Ohio). At 6-foot-3, he is one of the tallest skill-position players on the RedHawks' roster, giving him a clear advantage as a receiver at the MAC level.
SAM DIXON: DISMISSED FROM SOUTH CAROLINA
Sam Dixon, who never cracked the running back rotation in two seasons with the Buckeyes, transferred to South Carolina. However, things have not gone well since moving to Columbia. In mid-June, Dixon was arrested on charges of breaking into an automobile, criminal conspiracy, and grand larceny, and was dismissed from the team by head coach Shane Beamer.
JELANI THURMAN: AN IMPORTANT ROLE AT NORTH CAROLINA
Jelani Thurman, who played a solid role for the Buckeyes over the last three seasons, entered the transfer portal and transferred to North Carolina. He is expected to play an important role in Bobby Petrino's offense after quickly winning over the coaching staff and his teammates this offseason.
BRYSON RODGERS: PROVING HIMSELF AT SOUTH FLORIDA
Bryson Rodgers, a four-star wide receiver who played 298 offensive snaps behind receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, chose to look elsewhere for more playing time. Reuniting with Hartline at South Florida, Rodgers found a better opportunity. Although he has a connection with Hartline, he will not be handed playing time. However, he was productive this spring and is expected to start for the Bulls.
