Ohio State Finds Its Next Kicking Weapon in Baylor Transfer Connor Hawkins
Ohio State’s special teams just got a serious boost. On Wednesday night, former Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins announced his commitment to the Buckeyes, giving Ryan Day and his staff a much-needed win in the transfer portal - and fans in Columbus a reason to get excited.
Let’s be real: kicker hasn’t exactly been a position of strength for Ohio State lately. With Jayden Fielding now out of eligibility, the Buckeyes were staring down a major question mark heading into 2026. That question now has a promising answer.
Hawkins brings a proven leg and plenty of poise. At Baylor last season, he was perfect on extra points (37-for-37) and hit 18-of-22 field goal attempts - a level of consistency that any coach would love to have in high-pressure Big Ten moments. Whether it’s a cold November afternoon in Ann Arbor or a tight conference tilt in the Horseshoe, having a reliable kicker can be the difference between a College Football Playoff berth and watching from home.
And yes, while the headlines often go to quarterbacks, wideouts, or the latest five-star defensive end, let’s not overlook what a high-level kicker can mean to a championship-caliber team. Special teams may not always grab the spotlight, but when the game’s on the line, it’s the kicker who often gets the final word.
Hawkins seems ready for that challenge. Shortly after his commitment, he took to social media with a simple message for Buckeye Nation: “Let’s roll!”
The response? Nothing short of overwhelming.
Fans flooded the comments with support, welcoming him to Columbus with open arms - and high expectations.
This move is just one piece of a broader puzzle Ryan Day is putting together this offseason. After falling short of a national title repeat, the Buckeyes have been aggressive in the portal, addressing key needs across the board. Hawkins might not be the flashiest addition, but he could end up being one of the most important.
With the College Football Playoff championship set to feature Indiana and Miami this year - a matchup many thought would include Ohio State - the Buckeyes are already looking ahead. And with Hawkins now in the fold, they’ve taken a big step toward making sure they’re not on the outside looking in next time.
A clutch kicker with a calm demeanor and a track record of production? That’s a win in any book.