BREAKING; Ohio State Linebacker Departs College Football Via Transfer Portal
Ohio State continues to navigate significant roster changes through the transfer portal, with linebacker Mitchell Melton becoming the latest Buckeye to announce his intention to transfer. Melton, a top-200 recruit in the 2020 class per 247Sports, leaves Ohio State after recording 12 total tackles and two sacks this season. Over his five seasons in Columbus, the 6-foot-4, 261-pound linebacker demonstrated versatility, excelling as both a pass rusher and a wide receiver during his high school career at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Maryland, where he posted 19 sacks in his senior year.
Melton joins fellow linebacker Gabe Powers and safety Jayden Bonsu in leaving the Buckeyes’ defense via the transfer portal. Bonsu recently committed to Pitt, while Powers is still exploring his options. Melton has one year of eligibility remaining and is expected to attract significant interest from programs looking for a seasoned linebacker with pass-rushing ability.
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Ohio State’s transfer portal activity has seen 10 players depart and five incoming additions, placing the Buckeyes at No. 22 in On3Sports’ transfer portal team rankings. Despite the losses, the Buckeyes have brought in three four-star transfers: tight end Max Clare from Purdue, running back CJ Donaldson from West Virginia, and offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa from Rice. However, the departure of quarterback Air Noland, ranked No. 43 in the portal and now committed to South Carolina, is a significant blow.
The Buckeyes will look to maintain depth and talent through strategic additions while continuing to adapt to the evolving college football landscape.