Ohio State Transfers Shine in 2025 College Football Season

Former Buckeyes find success at new programs across the country

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting the motion and energy of a college football game, with players' bodies and uniforms broken down into sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of scarlet, orange, and blue.The transfer portal has become a key part of the ever-evolving college football landscape, as players seek new opportunities to showcase their talents.Huntsville Today

More than 40 former Ohio State players spent the 2025 college football season with different programs, and several of them enjoyed standout years. Notable performers included Virginia defensive end Mitchell Melton, Toledo running back Chip Trayanum, Miami (Ohio) linebacker Jackson Kuwatch, and Indiana offensive lineman Zen Michalski, who won a national title. While many other Buckeye transfers served in depth roles, the group as a whole demonstrated the talent Ohio State continues to produce, even for players who depart Columbus.

Why it matters

The performance of Ohio State transfers in 2025 showcases the depth of talent the Buckeyes develop, as well as the opportunities available for players to thrive at new programs after leaving Columbus. It also highlights the evolving landscape of college football, where the transfer portal has become an increasingly common path for players seeking more prominent roles or different environments.

The details

Mitchell Melton had a breakout season at Virginia, recording 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 3 passes defended. Chip Trayanum rushed for 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns at Toledo, earning first-team All-MAC honors. Jackson Kuwatch posted 109 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5 sacks for Miami (Ohio). Zen Michalski was a key contributor on Indiana's offensive line during the Hoosiers' national championship run.

  • Melton's standout season at Virginia came after years of injuries and limited playing time at Ohio State.
  • Trayanum finally assumed a lead back role at Toledo in 2025 after stints as a backup at Arizona State, Ohio State and Kentucky.
  • Kuwatch began his college career as a walk-on at Ohio State before his breakout final season with Miami (Ohio).
  • Michalski won a national title with Indiana in 2025, a year after claiming a championship with Ohio State.

The players

Mitchell Melton

A defensive end who had a breakout season at Virginia after struggling with injuries at Ohio State.

Chip Trayanum

A running back who flourished in a lead role at Toledo after backing up at multiple schools, including Ohio State.

Jackson Kuwatch

A linebacker who went from walk-on at Ohio State to third-team All-MAC performer at Miami (Ohio).

Zen Michalski

An offensive lineman who won national titles with both Ohio State and Indiana in consecutive seasons.

Colin Kaufmann

A former Ohio State walk-on who earned Division III All-American honors at cornerback for Baldwin-Wallace.

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What they’re saying

“Melton's 2025 season at Virginia marked his best collegiate year, following a long period of injuries and limited playing time at Ohio State.”

— Mitchell Melton

“After stints as a backup at Arizona State, Ohio State, and Kentucky, Trayanum finally assumed a lead back role at Toledo in 2025, delivering strong performances against MAC opponents.”

— Chip Trayanum

“Beginning as a walk-on at Ohio State, Kuwatch had a breakout final season with the RedHawks, earning third-team All-MAC honors and helping Miami reach the MAC Championship Game.”

— Jackson Kuwatch

What’s next

Several of the former Ohio State players who transferred are expected to pursue opportunities in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Mitchell Melton, Chip Trayanum and Jackson Kuwatch.

The takeaway

The success of Ohio State transfers in 2025 demonstrates the program's ability to develop talent that can thrive at other schools, even if they don't earn starting roles in Columbus. It also highlights the growing importance of the transfer portal in college football, as players seek out new environments to maximize their potential.