The Ohio State football program has been actively pursuing players in the transfer portal since it officially opened on Monday, but so far, they have not secured any commitments. Despite their efforts, they have expressed interest in several players, including former Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman, who was ranked as the top safety available. Thieneman initially showed interest in the Buckeyes, which made it seem like a promising possibility.
However, Thieneman has opted to transfer to Oregon, currently the number-one team in the country, rather than joining Ohio State. This is a significant blow for the Buckeyes, especially as they lose a top-rated safety to a rival in the Big Ten Conference.
The Buckeyes’ failure to land a player from the portal is concerning, particularly given their need to address other positions more urgently, like the offensive line. They are aiming to bring in at least three offensive linemen through the portal. It’s surprising that no players have committed to Ohio State yet, as they would typically have secured a target by now. There are still notable players available, but head coach Ryan Day’s focus remains on preparing for the upcoming game against Tennessee.
How well the Buckeyes perform in that College Football Playoff game will likely impact their success in the portal. Players are drawn to programs with strong NIL opportunities and championship aspirations, making Ohio State’s performance a key factor in attracting top talent.