The longest college football season in history has officially ended, and now the Ohio State Buckeyes are facing pivotal roster decisions. Players must decide whether to return for another season, declare for the NFL Draft, or explore opportunities in the transfer portal. These choices are always easier following a national championship, but for the Buckeyes, who came up short, uncertainty looms.
With a senior-heavy roster, Ohio State won’t face an overwhelming number of NFL Draft decisions. Star running back Quinshon Judkins has already declared for the draft, while defensive standout Sonny Styles has committed to returning next season. However, the transfer portal presents a significant challenge, especially in positions where depth is already thin.
Defensive Line Takes a Hit: Hero Kanu Transfers
One of the biggest areas of concern for the Buckeyes heading into the 2025 season is the defensive line. Ohio State is losing all its starting talent up front, leaving backups to step into starting roles. Unfortunately, one key backup, defensive lineman Hero Kanu, has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Kanu, a four-star recruit from the 2022 class, was expected to be part of the defensive line rotation next year. With two years of eligibility remaining, he now departs the program, leaving Ohio State even thinner on depth in a critical position group.
The Buckeyes have made a minor move to address their defensive line depth by adding Logan George through the transfer portal. However, this addition doesn’t fully offset the loss of Kanu and the significant turnover expected on the line next season.
Looking Ahead
With Kanu’s departure, Ohio State will need to rely heavily on young, inexperienced players to step up and fill the void. The defensive line is shaping up to be one of the team’s biggest question marks heading into the 2025 season.
Despite the challenges, Ohio State has no choice but to adapt and prepare the next wave of talent for high-stakes games. While losing Kanu is a blow, the program wishes him success in the next chapter of his college football career
