The Ohio State Buckeyes are making waves-and not just on the field. While the SEC has long been considered college football’s gold standard, Ohio State is proving they’re not just keeping pace-they’re starting to pull ahead in some key areas, especially on the recruiting and transfer front.
The latest example? Former Georgia defensive back Dominick Kelly is heading to Columbus.
Kelly, a former four-star recruit, entered the transfer portal just days ago, and it didn’t take long for the Buckeyes to pounce. On Thursday, the talented young DB announced his commitment to Ohio State, adding another high-upside piece to a defense that’s already stacked with future NFL talent.
This move comes on the heels of Ohio State landing not one, but two five-star defensive linemen who had previously been heavily linked to Alabama. That’s a statement. The Buckeyes aren’t just winning battles-they’re winning them against the SEC’s elite.
Let’s be clear: Kelly wasn’t a major contributor during his lone season in Athens. But that doesn’t mean this isn’t a significant loss for Georgia.
He was widely projected to be a long-term playmaker in the Bulldogs' secondary-a developmental piece with the tools to become a star. Georgia’s coaching staff saw him as part of their future.
Now, that future belongs to Ohio State.
For the Bulldogs, there’s some consolation. They’ve already brought in four defensive backs through the portal this offseason, so the depth chart isn’t hurting.
And Kelly, for all his potential, still has to prove it on the college stage. He hasn’t logged major snaps yet, and until he does, this move is more about upside than immediate impact.
Still, it stings. Not just because Georgia lost a promising player, but because they lost him to a program that’s becoming a real thorn in the SEC’s side. Ohio State isn’t just cherry-picking talent-they’re doing it from the very programs that have defined the SEC's dominance.
The transfer portal has changed the game, and Ohio State is playing it as well as anyone right now. They’re building a roster that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the country-and they’re doing it by taking pieces from the very teams they’ll likely face in the postseason.
If the Buckeyes and Bulldogs do meet in the College Football Playoff down the line, don’t be surprised if Dominick Kelly plays a role in that matchup. For now, though, the scoreboard reads Ohio State 1, SEC 0 in this latest round of off-field recruiting battles.