Just a few weeks ago, Ohio State’s activity in the transfer portal was raising eyebrows-and not in a good way. Depth pieces were heading out the door, and while other top-tier programs were stacking talent, it felt like the Buckeyes were stuck in neutral.
But that narrative has flipped fast. Over the past few days, the Buckeyes have gone on an absolute tear, adding impact players who not only fill immediate needs but bring experience and upside to a roster with championship aspirations.
Let’s break down what’s been a pivotal stretch for Ryan Day and his staff, starting with three key additions from the portal and a pair of massive returnees who chose to run it back in Columbus for 2026.
Cam Calhoun - Cornerback
Cam Calhoun is coming home-and not just in the sentimental sense. The Cincinnati native has had quite the journey, with stops at Michigan, Utah, and Alabama.
But now, he’s back in Ohio and ready to don scarlet and gray. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Calhoun brings a blend of athleticism and experience that Ohio State’s secondary needed in a big way.
Ranked No. 337 overall and the 26th-best cornerback in the 247Sports transfer rankings, Calhoun isn’t just a depth piece-he’s a plug-and-play talent. After a stint in the SEC, he’s battle-tested, and that’s exactly the kind of player Ohio State is targeting as they look to fortify their back end.
In a landscape where veteran presence can make or break a defense, Calhoun fits the mold of what Tim Walton and the defensive staff are building: smart, seasoned, and ready to compete on Day 1.
Ja’Kobi Jackson - Running Back
Ohio State’s running back room took some hits this offseason-James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon hit the portal, and C.J. Donaldson graduated. That left Carlos Locklyn needing reinforcements, and he found one in former Florida Gator Ja’Kobi Jackson.
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Jackson brings a physical presence to the Buckeyes’ backfield. He’s not just a body to fill space-he’s a contributor with SEC experience and the kind of resume that suggests he won’t shy away from the spotlight.
With Bo Jackson and Isaiah West still in the mix, adding Ja’Kobi gives Ohio State a more complete rotation. The Buckeyes are aiming for a 16-game season-Big Ten title, playoff, the whole thing-and you need more than two backs to survive that grind. Jackson gives them the depth and durability they’ll need when the weather turns cold and the games get big.
Dominick Kelly - Cornerback
The Buckeyes didn’t stop at one cornerback. They doubled down with the addition of Dominick Kelly, a transfer from Georgia who brings size, speed, and serious upside to Columbus.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Kelly has the physical tools to match up with top-tier receivers and the ranking to back it up-No. 177 overall and the 10th-best cornerback in the portal, per 247Sports. He’s got multiple years of eligibility left, which makes this more than just a short-term rental. This is a foundational piece.
With Bryce West and Aaron Scott entering the portal, the secondary had some holes to patch. Kelly’s arrival goes a long way toward filling them.
Paired with Calhoun, the Buckeyes now have a reloaded cornerback room that looks ready to compete at a high level. It’s a strong statement from the defensive staff: they’re not just replacing talent-they’re upgrading it.
Staying Power: Kenyatta Jackson & Jermaine Matthews Jr.
As big as those portal additions are, perhaps the biggest wins of the week didn’t come from outside the program-they came from within.
Edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson announced he’s returning for another season, and that’s a game-changer. Already a key contributor in 2025, Jackson’s return gives Ohio State a proven pass rusher with the potential to be a centerpiece of the defense.
Without him, the D-line would’ve had a major hole to fill. With him, they’ve got a leader and a disruptor who can tilt the field.
And then there’s Jermaine Matthews Jr., who also confirmed he’s staying in Columbus for 2026. A starting corner last season, Matthews brings not just experience, but versatility. If he shifts to nickel, it opens the door for guys like Devin Sanchez and the new additions-Kelly and Calhoun-to get on the field without sacrificing continuity.
Losing NFL-bound talents like Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun always stings. But keeping Matthews helps ease that transition. He knows the scheme, he’s played the big snaps, and he’ll be a steadying force in a secondary that’s undergoing some reshuffling.
Bottom line: Ohio State didn’t just stop the bleeding-they turned the tide. In a matter of days, the Buckeyes added three high-upside transfers and retained two cornerstone defenders.
That’s how you build a roster that can contend deep into January. The early portal losses may have raised questions, but the answers are coming fast-and they’re wearing scarlet and gray.