Just as Ohio State gears up for its College Football Playoff run, the Buckeyes are facing a bit of roster movement - wide receiver Bryson Rodgers has officially entered the transfer portal.
Rodgers' decision doesn’t come as a major surprise. The former four-star recruit never quite broke through in Columbus, and with a loaded receiver room ahead of him, the opportunity for more playing time elsewhere makes sense. Now, all eyes are on one potential landing spot: South Florida.
That’s where current Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is headed after the Buckeyes’ postseason - he’ll take over as the head coach at USF once the 2025 campaign wraps. And given the ties between Hartline and Rodgers, the connection is worth watching.
Let’s break it down.
A Familiar Face and a Hometown Return?
Rodgers and Hartline go back to the beginning of Rodgers’ college journey. Hartline was instrumental in recruiting him to Ohio State, and the two built a strong relationship during their time together in Columbus. That kind of trust and familiarity can go a long way when a player is looking for a fresh start.
Then there’s geography. Rodgers played his high school ball at Wiregrass Ranch, located just about 40 minutes from USF’s Tampa campus. A move to South Florida wouldn’t just be a reunion with Hartline - it’d be a homecoming.
At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Rodgers brings size and speed to the table. While his numbers at Ohio State were modest - six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown this past season - the potential is still there.
He came out of high school as a top-50 receiver nationally and held 43 scholarship offers before choosing the Buckeyes. The talent is real; he just needs the right opportunity to showcase it.
What This Means for Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, Rodgers’ departure doesn’t shake things up too much. The receiver room remains one of the deepest in the country.
Jeremiah Smith, the standout freshman phenom, is set to return for his junior year. And Chris Henry Jr., one of the crown jewels of the 2026 recruiting class, is already signed and ready to step in.
Ohio State is also expected to be active in the transfer portal, particularly if they need to replace Carnell Tate, who could be on the move himself. It’s a classic case of reloading, not rebuilding - the Buckeyes have made a habit of stockpiling elite talent at wideout, and that pipeline doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
What’s Next for Rodgers?
For Rodgers, the next step is about opportunity. He still has eligibility left, and he’ll want to make the most of it. Whether that path leads to USF or another program, the goal is clear: find a place where he can get on the field, contribute consistently, and remind people why he was such a coveted recruit in the first place.
The move to the portal marks a new chapter - and possibly, a return home. If Hartline and Rodgers do link up again in Tampa, it could be a win-win: a coach getting a familiar weapon to help jumpstart his tenure, and a player getting the fresh start he’s been looking for.
We’ll be watching this one closely.