Understanding the situation with Ohio State wide receivers as they enter the transfer portal.
Entering the transfer portal has become a familiar occurrence for Ohio State players, with various athletes exploring other opportunities over the years. However, the Buckeyes’ wide receiver unit has traditionally remained stable, with only Jameson Williams being a notable departure from the program.
This trend has undergone a shift this year, as starting wide receiver Julian Fleming chose to enter the transfer portal, opting not to participate in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri. On New Year’s Eve, Noah Rogers, a former four-star recruit and the No. 8 receiver in the 2023 class, also entered the transfer portal. Additionally, Bryson Rodgers, another highly-rated prospect from the 2023 class, intends to follow suit.
Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, Brian Hartline, has been instrumental in recruiting top talent for the position. Furthermore, he has been successful in retaining players, even if it means they have to patiently wait for their opportunities. Notably, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka all didn’t emerge as stars until after their freshman years, establishing a culture of patience and development under Hartline’s guidance.