Ohio State Cornerback Bryce West to Enter Transfer Portal Following CFP Exit
The dust is still settling from Ohio State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Miami, but the Buckeyes are already bracing for roster turnover. As the transfer window opens on Friday, sophomore cornerback Bryce West is expected to enter the portal, signaling a desire for a fresh start and a clearer path to playing time after two seasons in Columbus.
West’s name carries weight in Ohio high school football circles. A product of the Glenville pipeline - a program that’s sent more than its share of talent to the Horseshoe - West arrived with serious hype.
He was a four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 16 cornerback in the 2024 class and the No. 5 player in Ohio, per 247Sports. He chose the Buckeyes over offers from Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama, a major in-state recruiting win for cornerbacks coach Tim Walton.
But West’s early days in Columbus didn’t go quite according to script. An injury sidelined him for much of spring practice his freshman year, stalling his development at a critical time. He redshirted that season, spending the year recovering and learning behind a veteran secondary that featured standouts like Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun.
In 2025, West started to carve out a role. He played in seven games, mostly in a rotational capacity and on special teams, backing up at the nickel spot.
While he wasn’t a fixture on the field, he flashed the athleticism and versatility that made him a high school All-American. Coaches moved him between outside corner and nickel during both spring and fall camps, testing his range and adaptability.
That versatility was on full display during his time at Glenville, where he helped lead the Tarblooders to back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023. As a junior, he didn’t allow a single touchdown all season and picked off four passes. His track speed - highlighted by a 10.93-second 100-meter dash - translated into elite closing ability, a trait that made him a nightmare for opposing receivers and a dream for defensive coordinators.
Now, West hits the portal looking for a program where he can step into a more prominent role. And with his pedigree, athletic tools, and two years in a top-tier college system, he’s likely to draw plenty of interest.
Meanwhile, Ohio State’s secondary is entering a period of transition. With Lorenzo Styles Jr. graduating and West departing, the Buckeyes will need to find a new nickel for 2025.
The uncertainty doesn’t stop there - Davison Igbinosun is out of eligibility, and Jermaine Mathews Jr. is a candidate to declare for the NFL Draft. That leaves the defensive coaching staff with some big decisions and even bigger shoes to fill.
West’s departure may be just the first domino in what could be an active offseason in Columbus. As the portal heats up, expect the Buckeyes to be both evaluators and recruiters, looking to reload a defense that’s long been the backbone of their championship aspirations.