As the College Football Playoff kicks off this weekend, Ohio State won’t be suiting up just yet-but make no mistake, the Buckeyes will be watching closely. While Ryan Day has held firm to the program’s “it’s about us” mantra, this weekend’s games carry real weight. Scouting potential Cotton Bowl opponents is now a key part of the prep work as the Buckeyes gear up for a postseason run with national title implications.
But that’s just one layer of the December grind in Columbus. Between bowl prep, roster management, and the ever-evolving transfer portal, Ohio State’s coaching staff has its hands full. The Buckeyes are still laser-focused on defending their national championship, but the future of the program is very much in motion-and the portal is playing a big role in shaping what comes next.
A Familiar Name Hits the Portal-and Ohio State Is Watching Closely
One name that’s quickly shot to the top of Ohio State’s portal watchlist is Penn State defensive end Chaz Coleman. The freshman edge rusher announced plans to enter the transfer portal on Thursday, and it didn’t take long for the Buckeyes to be linked to the news. And for good reason.
Coleman, an Ohio native, is a player who slipped through the Buckeyes’ fingers during his high school recruitment. Despite a late push from Ohio State, he stuck with his commitment to Penn State. Now, just one season into his college career, he’s exploring new opportunities-and Ohio State may have a second chance to bring him home.
This isn’t just about geography or a recruiting do-over. Coleman showed flashes of real potential in his freshman campaign, including some standout moments against the Buckeyes themselves. He’s already proven he can compete at the Big Ten level, and his upside as a pass rusher is hard to ignore.
Edge Help Always Welcome in Columbus
Defensive end is a position where you can never have too much talent, especially in a program that prides itself on elite defensive line play. The Buckeyes have seen what Coleman can do up close, and they know he’d be an immediate asset-not just for depth, but as a potential impact player in Larry Johnson’s rotation.
Ohio State’s recent history in the portal shows a clear pattern: they’re selective but aggressive when the right fit comes along. Coleman checks a lot of boxes.
He’s young, he’s talented, and he has ties to the state. That’s a combination that’s hard to pass up.
Momentum Building Toward a Homecoming?
While nothing is official yet, there’s already a growing sense that Ohio State is the frontrunner to land Coleman. The buzz around this move is picking up steam, and the Buckeyes are in prime position to capitalize. With his ties to the state and the program’s need for a dynamic edge presence, the fit feels natural.
The full-court press is likely already underway behind the scenes. For Ohio State, this isn’t just a chance to add a talented player-it’s an opportunity to turn a past recruiting miss into a future win. And if all goes according to plan, one of Ohio’s top young defenders could be suiting up in scarlet and gray sooner rather than later.