Tracking Ohio State’s Transfers: How Former Buckeyes Fared in the Final Week of the Regular Season
Every college football offseason brings a wave of player movement, and even a program as talent-rich and stable as Ohio State isn’t immune. Whether it’s about chasing more playing time, fitting into a new scheme, or simply starting fresh, transfers are part of the modern game.
This past offseason, 15 Buckeyes entered the portal and found new homes across the country. Now, as the regular season wraps, it’s time to check in on how some of these former Ohio State players closed out their 2025 campaigns.
Here’s a closer look at how these ex-Buckeyes performed in the final week of regular season action.
Mitchell Melton - DE, Virginia
Melton might just be the lone former Buckeye with a shot at the College Football Playoff, depending on how things shake out. Virginia locked up a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a convincing 27-7 win over rival Virginia Tech, and Melton chipped in with a tackle and two quarterback pressures.
Not a stat-stuffing day, but his presence off the edge helped keep the Hokies’ offense in check. If Virginia continues its run, Melton could find himself on a big stage in December.
Joe Royer - TE, Cincinnati
Royer was efficient in his final outing of the season, catching all three of his targets for 45 yards. He continues to be a reliable option in the Bearcats’ passing game, even in a 45-23 loss to TCU. While the season didn’t end on a high note for Cincinnati, Royer showed flashes of the pass-catching potential that once made him a promising piece in Columbus.
Evan Pryor - RB, Cincinnati
Pryor made the most of limited touches. He tallied just three carries for eight yards, but added two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown.
That receiving score was a bright spot in an otherwise tough day for the Bearcats. Pryor’s versatility as a dual-threat back continues to be his calling card, and he’ll be one to watch heading into 2026.
Patrick Gurd - TE, Cincinnati
Gurd saw 12 snaps in the loss to TCU but wasn’t targeted in the passing game. It’s been a quiet season for the former Buckeye tight end, who’s been more of a depth piece in Cincinnati’s rotation.
Dallan Hayden - RB, Colorado
Colorado’s season came to a close with a 24-14 loss to Kansas State, but Hayden turned in a solid performance to finish the year. He carried the ball 15 times for 66 yards, showing the same tough, downhill running style that once had Ohio State fans excited about his future. While the Buffaloes struggled overall, Hayden gave them a steady presence in the backfield.
Anthony Venneri - P, UCF
Venneri continues to be a consistent weapon in the field position game. Against BYU, he punted three times for an average of 44.3 yards, including a long of 58. It wasn’t enough to stop a 41-21 loss, but Venneri did his job flipping the field when called upon.
Chip Trayanum - RB, Toledo
Trayanum closed out his season with a statement. He rushed for 94 yards on 16 carries and punched in a touchdown in Toledo’s 21-3 win over Central Michigan.
It was a fitting end for a back who’s been a steady contributor all year. Trayanum brought physicality and experience to the Rockets’ offense, and his performance this week was a reminder of the talent he brought from Columbus.
Jayden Ballard - WR, Wisconsin
Ballard was on the field but didn’t see a target in Wisconsin’s 17-7 loss to Minnesota. It’s been a quiet season for the speedy wideout, who’s still working to carve out a consistent role in the Badgers’ offense.
Gabe Powers - LB, Kansas State
Powers made the most of his 16 snaps in Kansas State’s 24-14 win over Colorado. He graded out as the Wildcats’ top defensive player on the day, recording three tackles and a quarterback hurry. That kind of efficiency in limited action is exactly what coaches love to see, and it could set him up for a bigger role moving forward.
Noah Rogers - WR, NC State
Rogers caught two of his four targets for 30 yards in NC State’s rivalry win over North Carolina, 42-19. While he didn’t find the end zone, he continues to be a part of the Wolfpack’s offensive plans and showed some of the route-running polish that made him a high-upside recruit.
Ryan Turner - CB, Purdue
Purdue’s season ended with a tough 56-3 loss to Indiana, but Turner did manage to log two tackles while playing nine snaps. It’s been a developmental year for the former Buckeye corner, who’s still working his way into a larger role on the Boilermakers’ defense.
Zen Michalski - OL, Indiana
Michalski started at right tackle and played 34 snaps in Indiana’s dominant win over Purdue. The Hoosiers controlled the line of scrimmage, and Michalski was a big part of that effort. As Indiana heads to the Big Ten Championship Game, his play in the trenches will be one to watch-especially if he ends up facing his former team.
Reid Carrico - LB, West Virginia
Carrico was one of the few bright spots in a rough outing for West Virginia, who got blanked 49-0 by Texas Tech. He played 65 snaps and racked up seven tackles along with two quarterback pressures. The numbers show a player who’s been heavily involved and productive, even as the defense struggled around him.
Did Not Play in Week 14
- Morrow Evans (LS, UCLA)
- George Fitzpatrick (OT, Kansas State)
- Kojo Antwi (WR, Colorado State)
- Jayden Bonsu (LB, Pittsburgh) - Out for season with injury
- Miles Walker (OL, Boise State)
- Devin Brown (QB, Cal)
- Air Noland (QB, South Carolina)
- Calvin Simpson-Hunt (CB, Baylor)
Final Thoughts
Ohio State’s transfer class from this past offseason has scattered across the country, and while not every player found a starring role, several made real impacts in their new homes. From Mitchell Melton contributing to a potential playoff team, to Chip Trayanum closing strong in the MAC, to Gabe Powers flashing elite defensive efficiency-there’s no shortage of stories to follow.
As bowl season approaches and the transfer portal spins up again, these performances offer a reminder: talent doesn’t disappear when a player leaves Columbus. Sometimes, it just needs a new spotlight.