Should Ohio State Target This Former Five-Star in the Transfer Portal?

The college football landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with the advent of the transfer portal allowing athletes to change schools freely without sacrificing a year of eligibility, as was once required under the NCAA’s old transfer rules. This has shifted how teams manage their rosters, and has placed a premium on identifying and acquiring players who can immediately contribute at a high level. For teams like Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and national scene, identifying talent in the portal is a critical part of maintaining their competitive edge.

One of the most intriguing prospects in the transfer portal this season is a former five-star recruit who, after a somewhat underwhelming college career, is now looking for a fresh start. Should Ohio State, with its elite recruiting and high standards for performance, make a run at this player? Here’s a detailed breakdown of why they might, or might not, be wise to pursue this former five-star talent.

1. Who is the Player?

The first question to address is who this former five-star recruit is. Players who were once rated among the top in their class often carry immense potential but might not have developed as expected at their original schools for a variety of reasons. Whether it be lack of playing time, mismatches in scheme, injuries, or simply an inability to adjust to the college game, these players still often have high-level talent.

This specific player is someone who was widely considered a top-five recruit coming out of high school, with a history of elite production in high school but has yet to showcase that potential consistently in college. It’s important to understand the player’s position, skills, and what might have gone wrong at their previous school, which led them to seek a transfer.

2. Ohio State’s Roster Needs

Before diving into the specifics of why Ohio State should or shouldn’t target this player, it’s crucial to examine the Buckeyes’ roster needs. Ohio State, with its strong recruiting and development, typically boasts a roster filled with elite talent at almost every position. However, there are areas of need, even for a team of Ohio State’s caliber. These include positions where injuries or depth issues may have created vulnerabilities.

Ohio State’s offense has long been its calling card, with elite quarterback play, strong wide receivers, and a solid running back corps. However, the defense has been a focal point for improvement in recent years, with the coaching staff under Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles pushing to build a unit capable of matching the Buckeyes’ offensive explosiveness. In this light, looking for players to bolster their defense might make the most sense, particularly at positions like linebacker, cornerback, or defensive line.

Additionally, Ohio State is known for recruiting elite talent, but even the best programs face turnover. Transfers can often plug gaps where freshmen might not be quite ready to contribute at the highest level, or where other players simply aren’t living up to expectations. If this former five-star is a player who could fill an immediate gap and contribute right away, Ohio State might be wise to consider him.

3. The Pros of Adding a Former Five-Star Player

a. Talent and Upside

The most obvious advantage of pursuing a former five-star recruit in the transfer portal is their inherent talent. Players with a five-star pedigree have demonstrated elite skills at the high school level, and even if they haven’t fully realized their potential in college, their upside remains significant. Ohio State has historically done well at developing high-caliber talent, and a player with immense natural ability could thrive with the right coaching and a new environment.

At Ohio State, the coaching staff has a proven track record of unlocking the potential of players, especially those who may have faced adversity or challenges at their previous schools. If this former five-star recruit can fit into the right system and get the proper development, he could quickly emerge as a key contributor.

b. Immediate Impact

A player with high-level experience, even if it’s just a season or two in college football, can contribute immediately, which is especially valuable for a team that is aiming for championships. Whether it’s a backup who provides depth or a starter who can step in right away, Ohio State could gain a key asset without having to wait for a lengthy period of player development.

c. Depth and Experience

The transfer portal isn’t just about picking up stars—it’s also about finding experienced players who can add valuable depth and competition to your roster. Depth is important for Ohio State, especially in the physically demanding Big Ten, where injuries can accumulate throughout a long season. The addition of a former five-star with experience in college football could bolster Ohio State’s roster across various positions.

4. The Cons of Targeting a Former Five-Star

a. Development Concerns

The major risk of targeting a player who was once a five-star recruit but has underperformed at their original school is the question of why they didn’t succeed. Was it due to lack of coaching, the system they were in, or was it because they simply didn’t have the work ethic or physical attributes to match the expectations?

Ohio State would need to assess whether the former five-star recruit has the character, discipline, and drive necessary to thrive in a competitive environment. A high school star doesn’t always translate into a college superstar, and some players fail to live up to their recruiting rankings due to off-field issues, attitude problems, or lack of commitment. Ohio State’s coaching staff would need to make a careful assessment of whether this player’s potential is still alive or if their issues are insurmountable.

b. Position Overlap

Even if the player is talented, there might be other factors to consider, such as position overlap. Ohio State’s depth chart is already packed with elite talent, and adding another player to a crowded position might not be beneficial for either party. If this former five-star player is seeking a fresh start and increased playing time, there’s a chance that they might not get the role they desire at Ohio State.

Ohio State might not be in dire need of another player at a particular position, and bringing someone in just for the sake of adding talent might not align with the team’s long-term goals. They need to ensure the addition makes sense in terms of roster balance.

c. Team Chemistry and Culture Fit

Team chemistry is crucial for any successful program, and sometimes bringing in a player who has underperformed elsewhere can upset the balance. Ohio State has developed a winning culture, and integrating a new player into that environment can sometimes be challenging. Players who were stars in high school might expect to be given starting roles, and that could disrupt the culture if they aren’t willing to compete for playing time or embrace a team-first mentality.

Additionally, the pressure to live up to their five-star billing might create tension or dissatisfaction for a player who finds themselves in a less-than-ideal role. It’s important that any player brought in from the transfer portal is ready to adapt to Ohio State’s culture and contribute in whatever way is needed for the team.

5. What Would Ohio State Gain from This Addition?

If Ohio State decides to target this former five-star player, they stand to gain a player who could make an immediate impact. Whether it’s a former five-star defensive back who can contribute to their defensive backfield, or a player on the offensive side of the ball who can bring explosiveness and skill, the potential for an immediate upgrade is high. Ohio State has the infrastructure to help this player reach their full potential, and with the right fit, the Buckeyes could benefit from his abilities in the short term.

Furthermore, Ohio State’s success with the transfer portal in recent years demonstrates that they can turn talented transfers into stars. Whether it’s a key backup player or an impact starter, Ohio State’s coaching staff has shown they know how to bring out the best in players who transfer from other programs.

6. Conclusion: Should Ohio State Target This Former Five-Star?

The decision for Ohio State to pursue a former five-star recruit in the transfer portal depends on several factors, including the player’s ability to fit into the program both on and off the field. If the coaching staff believes that this player has the potential to contribute and improve within Ohio State’s system, and if they can address any concerns about the player’s past struggles, then pursuing this former five-star could be a smart move.

However, the Buckeyes should proceed with caution. Ohio State is not a program that needs to take unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to chemistry and culture. If this player is a good fit in terms of talent, attitude, and position need, then they could certainly be an asset to the team. Otherwise, Ohio State may find it better to pass and focus on other options that better align with their goals and roster needs.

In conclusion, Ohio State should seriously consider targeting this former five-star recruit in the transfer portal, but only if the player can meet the rigorous expectations of the program both as a player and as a person. If Ohio State believes in the upside and can integrate him into their team, this could be a high-reward move. However, if the concerns outweigh the potential, then it may be best for the Buckeyes to look elsewhere.