Where They Landed: How Ohio State's 2025 Transfer Class Fared Across the Country
In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal is as much a part of roster building as spring practice or recruiting weekends. Whether it’s about chasing more playing time, finding a better scheme fit, or just hitting the reset button, players are on the move-and even programs as talent-rich as Ohio State aren’t immune.
The Buckeyes, despite earning the No. 2 overall seed in the 2025 College Football Playoff, saw 15 players transfer out this past offseason. As they prepare for a semifinal matchup on Dec. 31 against the winner of Texas A&M and Miami, many of their former teammates have wrapped up their regular seasons at new schools.
Let’s take a closer look at where those players landed and how they performed in 2025. Some thrived in bigger roles, others found themselves buried on the depth chart, and a few are still trying to find their footing. Here's the full breakdown, with all snap counts and player grades courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
DE Mitchell Melton - Virginia
Melton made the most of his fresh start in Charlottesville, turning in a standout season that earned him the highest PFF grade of any former Buckeye transfer this year.
His 84.8 overall grade was built on a strong pass-rush score (81.3) and an elite coverage mark (90.9) - rare air for a defensive end. He was a force across 563 defensive snaps, racking up 43 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and three pass breakups.
Simply put: Melton was everywhere.
DT Hero Kanu - Texas
Kanu became a key piece for Texas’ defensive front, showing real growth in his first year away from Columbus.
He played in all 12 games and logged 435 snaps, finishing with 31 tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection. His 75.4 overall PFF grade was solid, and his 78.0 run defense grade stood out in particular.
Texas leaned on him in the trenches, and he delivered.
TE Joe Royer - Cincinnati
Royer found a home - and a role - in Cincinnati, serving as the Bearcats’ primary tight end.
He was a steady presence across 563 offensive snaps, catching 29 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns. That kind of production shows what he can do when given consistent reps in the passing game.
RB Evan Pryor - Cincinnati
Sharing the backfield didn’t stop Pryor from flashing the explosiveness that once made him a highly touted recruit.
He averaged 6.9 yards per carry on 76 attempts, totaling 522 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also added 10 catches for 107 yards and a receiving score.
In 10 games, Pryor proved he can be a dynamic weapon when healthy and involved.
TE Patrick Gurd - Cincinnati
While Royer got most of the targets, Gurd carved out a niche as a blocking specialist.
He appeared in all 12 games but was used mostly in run support, logging 178 offensive snaps. As a receiver, he caught just two passes for 23 yards, but his impact was felt in the trenches.
RB Dallan Hayden - Colorado
It was a tough year for Colorado’s offense, and Hayden’s numbers reflected that.
He managed 326 rushing yards on 70 carries (4.7 yards per attempt) over eight games. The flashes were there, but the consistency was tough to come by in a struggling system.
WR Jayden Ballard - Wisconsin
Ballard suited up for all 12 games but never quite broke through in Wisconsin’s offense.
He played 207 offensive snaps and finished with seven catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. While the volume wasn’t high, the scoring plays showed he still has a knack for getting behind defenses.
OL Zen Michalski - Indiana
Michalski may not have been in the headlines, but he quietly contributed to a playoff-bound Indiana squad.
He played in all 12 games and logged 263 offensive snaps. In a season where every rep matters, especially in the trenches, Michalski gave the Hoosiers some valuable depth.
LB Reid Carrico - West Virginia
Carrico became a major contributor on West Virginia’s defense, playing 521 snaps and appearing in all 12 games.
He posted 69 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. That kind of production shows he found a system that let him stay active and aggressive.
LB Gabe Powers - Kansas State
Powers played more of a rotational role for Kansas State, seeing action in 11 games and logging 189 defensive snaps. He totaled 21 tackles on the season, mostly working as a reserve but gaining valuable experience in a physical Big 12 environment.
WR Noah Rogers - NC State
Rogers made an immediate impact for the Wolfpack, playing in all 12 games and catching 31 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns. He showed reliable hands and the ability to stretch the field - a solid year for a young receiver looking to establish himself.
CB Ryan Turner - Purdue
Turner saw limited action on a struggling Purdue defense, appearing in seven games and playing 103 defensive snaps.
He recorded 10 tackles, including half a tackle for loss and half a sack. While the opportunities were few, he made the most of his limited time.
WR Kojo Antwi - Colorado State
Injuries derailed Antwi’s season before it really got going.
He missed the first four games and struggled to find rhythm after returning. He finished with eight catches for 48 yards across eight appearances.
It was a frustrating year, but he’ll have a chance to bounce back with a full offseason.
QB Devin Brown - Cal
Brown’s 2025 season didn’t go as planned.
He was edged out by a true freshman for the starting job and ended up appearing in seven games, taking just 27 snaps. He completed 4-of-7 passes for 48 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With limited playing time, Brown may once again be evaluating his options.
The Big Picture
Ohio State’s transfer class of 2025 was a mixed bag - and that’s not unusual.
Some players, like Mitchell Melton and Reid Carrico, found prominent roles and delivered big-time production. Others, like Devin Brown and Kojo Antwi, faced setbacks or limited opportunities.
But across the board, these former Buckeyes are writing their own stories, proving that the portal isn’t just about leaving-it's about finding the right fit.
And while Ohio State continues its march toward a potential national title, it’s clear that the program’s influence stretches far beyond Columbus.