With the season officially in the rearview mirror, Ohio State has wasted little time reminding everyone that the calendar never really slows down in modern college football. The Buckeyes have already seen
a wave of departures as depth pieces search for expanded roles elsewhere, with James Peoples, Bryce West, Jelani Thurman, Dominic Kirks, Logan George, and others entering the transfer portal in recent days.
That kind of churn is hardly unexpected, but it does underscore just how quickly rosters can turn over — even for programs accustomed to operating at the sport’s highest level.
Fortunately for Ohio State, the portal giveth as often as it taketh. With multiple spots to fill across the depth chart, the coaching staff has been aggressive in identifying targets and getting players to campus. Between potential starters and rotational pieces on both sides of the ball, the next few weeks will go a long way toward shaping what the Buckeyes look like heading into the 2026 season. And as early as this week, that process appears to be accelerating.
Ohio State to host transfer linebacker target
One of the more intriguing names to emerge in recent days is Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles, an Ohio native who quickly became one of the top defenders available in the portal. Biles, who starred at Pickerington before heading east, has long made sense as a Buckeye target, and now the interest appears mutual. According to reports, he is expected to visit Ohio State on Monday, giving the staff an early opportunity to make its pitch.
A two-time All-ACC selection, Biles would bring immediate experience to a linebacker room that is facing significant turnover. Ohio State has young talent waiting in the wings, but adding a proven, battle-tested player is rarely a bad idea — particularly for a defense that will once again be asked to reload rather than rebuild. Ranked as a four-star transfer by 247Sports, Biles would check multiple boxes as both a short-term contributor and a stabilizing presence.
Of course, competition for his services is expected, and NIL will inevitably factor into the equation. Still, if Ohio State is willing to meet the moment, it’s easy to see why the Buckeyes would feel good about their chances to address a key need early in the portal cycle.
A familiar name re-enters the picture at safety
Replacing Caleb Downs was never going to be simple. The All-American safety is widely viewed as the best defensive back in the country, and his impending departure to the NFL leaves a massive void in the secondary. You can’t truly replace a player like Downs — but you can try to mitigate the loss by adding elite talent wherever possible.
Enter Minnesota safety Koi Perich, who officially entered the transfer portal Thursday night. Perich, a former top-100 recruit in the 2024 class, immediately becomes one of the most coveted defensive backs available. Ohio State knows him well, having been firmly in the mix during his initial recruitment before he ultimately chose to stay home with the Gophers.
This time around, the Buckeyes will once again be part of a crowded field. NIL will play a role, and so will opportunity. Ohio State can offer both, particularly at a position where immediate snaps are available. If the staff can get Perich to campus and make a compelling case for Columbus as the next step in his development, the Buckeyes should be firmly in the conversation.
Quick hits
Garner-Webb State edge rusher Antonio O’Berry is scheduled to visit Ohio State this weekend. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Dayton native has a familiar background for the Buckeye staff and projects as a potential depth addition with upside.
Ranked as the No. 29 edge rusher in the transfer portal by 247Sports, O’Berry may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but players with his size and athletic profile tend to find roles quickly in Larry Johnson’s defensive line rotation.
The portal season is still young, but Ohio State is clearly intent on being proactive rather than reactive — a necessary approach in an era where roster management never truly stops.
