Marcello Diomede is headed to Columbus.
The former Notre Dame placekicker has officially committed to Ohio State via the transfer portal, announcing the move on his Instagram. It's a fresh start for the Glen Ellyn, Illinois native, who’s looking to close out his college career with a new opportunity-and a bigger role-at one of the sport’s premier programs.
Diomede's time at Notre Dame saw limited action, but there were flashes of potential. In 2025, he handled 16 of the Irish’s 86 kickoffs, with 11 resulting in touchbacks-a solid ratio that hints at his leg strength.
He also appeared in six games, converting two of his three extra point attempts. His lone miss came against Boston College.
While he never secured a consistent role in South Bend, it wasn’t for lack of trying. Diomede found himself behind freshman Erik Schmidt on the depth chart, even while starter Noah Burnette was sidelined with an injury. That left Diomede as the odd man out in a competitive kicker room.
Over the course of his Notre Dame career, Diomede saw action in 10 games. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he brings good size for a kicker and still has the tools to contribute at the Power Five level. Now a rising senior, he’ll be looking to make the most of his final year of eligibility with the Buckeyes.
He first made his transfer intentions known on December 26, 2025, and followed up with a heartfelt message thanking Notre Dame for the experience.
“I am incredibly grateful for my time at Notre Dame,” Diomede wrote. “It has provided experiences and relationships on and off the field that will forever shape who I am. I am also deeply thankful for the opportunity to graduate with a world-class degree and to play for an organization at the pinnacle of college football.”
Now, he turns the page to Ohio State, where the Buckeyes are always looking to bolster their special teams unit. Whether Diomede becomes a key contributor or adds depth behind the scenes, he brings veteran experience and a strong leg to a program that never stops competing for championships.
For Diomede, the move keeps him relatively close to home and gives him a chance to finish his college journey on a high note.