Grok's opinion on Ohio State's portal options

 # Ohio State's Transfer Portal Targets for 2026: Predictions, Profiles, and Landing Odds

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2025 College Football Playoff with high expectations but exited early after a 24-14 loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve. As the dust settles, head coach Ryan Day and his staff are turning their attention to the transfer portal, which officially opens on January 2, 2026. With departures like quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, tight end Jelani Thurman, wide receiver Bryson Rodgers, defensive back Bryce West, defensive end C.J. Hicks, and others creating significant roster holes, the Buckeyes need reinforcements—particularly on the defensive line, in the secondary, at wide receiver, and in special teams.

Ohio State has a proven track record in the portal, landing stars like Julian Sayin and Caleb Downs in previous cycles. Leveraging strong NIL resources and a loaded 2026 recruiting class (including talents like Chris Henry Jr. and Luke Fahey), the program is poised to add 6-8 transfers. Based on recent reports, insider intel, and recruiting prediction machines (RPM) from sites like On3, here's a curated list of key targets. For each, I've included a brief profile, why they fit OSU, my estimated odds of landing them (speculative, drawn from aggregated rumors and predictions), and a description of a representative photo from public sources.

### EDGE Chaz Coleman (from Penn State)

Chaz Coleman, a highly touted freshman pass rusher, entered the portal amid Penn State's coaching changes following a disappointing 2025 season. The Warren, Ohio native was a four-star recruit who flashed elite potential with eight tackles, three for loss, one sack, and two fumble recoveries in limited action. Ohio State pursued him heavily out of high school and needs edge depth after losing players like Hicks. Reports indicate mutual interest, with OSU viewed as the frontrunner due to his home-state ties and the Buckeyes' success developing portal edges into NFL prospects. He's projected to command a seven-figure NIL 

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 85% (Heavy favorite per multiple predictions; On3 links OSU strongly, with some calling it a "done deal" vibe.)

** 6'4", 240-pound edge rusher, watching warm-ups on the sideline at Ohio Stadium before a 2024 game against Marshall. He's in casual attire, looking focused amid the pre-game energy, captured by Adam Cairns of the Columbus Dispatch.

### S Boo Carter (from Tennessee)

Boo Carter, a versatile safety, brings speed and playmaking to a secondary that could lose Caleb Downs to the NFL. In 2025, he contributed as a rotational piece for the Volunteers, showing flashes in coverage and run support. Ohio State has him high on their wishlist to add depth and competition, especially with potential outgoing transfers. While not as locked in as Coleman, recent buzz from fan sites and YouTube breakdowns positions OSU as a contender.<grok:render card_id="f0ec2f" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 60% (Solid interest reported, but competition from other Big Ten schools; On3 RPM shows OSU in the mix for impact transfers.)

 (5'11", 190 pounds) and defensive intensity, from a standard player profile headshot style.

### WR Nick Marsh (from Michigan State)

To complement stars like Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State could target Nick Marsh, a big-bodied receiver (6'3", 200 pounds) who hauled in 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine TDs over two seasons with the Spartans. His size and catch radius make him ideal for Chip Kelly's offense, especially if younger Buckeyes portal out. While LSU and Notre Dame are strong suitors, OSU's offensive firepower could 

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 40% (Rumors link him to OSU via fan discussions, but predictions lean toward SEC/ACC schools like LSU.)

### K David Olano (from Illinois) or Tristan Alvano (from Nebraska)

Special teams woes plagued Ohio State in 2025, prompting former star Garrett Wilson to publicly call for a portal kicker. David Olano, a reliable option from Illinois, is expected to enter and could provide immediate stability. Alternatively, Nebraska's Tristan Alvano offers similar upside. OSU is prioritizing this position to avoid another playoff 

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 70% for Olano / 50% for Alvano (High need matches available talent; OSU's NIL edge gives them strong pull for specialists.)

### LB Kobie McKinzie (from Oklahoma)

With linebacker attrition like Arvell Reese potentially declaring for the NFL and Hicks portaling out, Kobie McKinzie's experience (84 tackles, 2.5 sacks over four years) could shore up run defense. He's entering after OU's playoff loss, and while no direct OSU links dominate, the Buckeyes need veteran 

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 30% (Entering portal opens options, but no heavy OSU buzz yet; could rise if visits occur.)

 6'2", 245-pound frame during a 2025 game.

### OL Connor Stroh (from Texas A&M)

Offensive line depth is crucial to protect quarterback Julian Sayin and boost the run game. Connor Stroh, a former four-star from Texas A&M, announced his portal intent and fits as a versatile interior lineman. OSU has been mentioned in breakdowns as a target.

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 55% (Direct mentions as a Buckeye target; competition from SEC schools, but OSU's line coach Justin Fry has pull.)

6'7", 350-pound build.

### DT/DE Targets (e.g., Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami or Peter Woods from Clemson)

The defensive line needs multiple additions after losses. Rueben Bain Jr., a projected first-round NFL pick, starred in Miami's CFP win over OSU but isn't confirmed in the portal—rumors are speculative. Peter Woods from Clemson has old recruiting ties but no current transfer news. Expect OSU to pursue veterans here, potentially 1-2 

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 10% for Bain / 5% for Woods (Neither confirmed in portal; Bain's NFL path and Woods' stability lower chances.)

### QB Brendan Sorsby (from Cincinnati) or RB Hollywood Smothers (from Oklahoma)

For depth, Brendan Sorsby—a dual-threat QB with 2,800 passing yards and 580 rushing in 2025—could back up Sayin if more QB attrition hits. Hollywood Smothers, a breakout RB (939 yards, 5.9 YPC), offers speed if needed. Sorsby is a top portal name, but links lean elsewhere; Smothers has buzz.

**Odds of landing at Ohio State:** 15% for Sorsby / 20% for Smothers (Top value but heavy competition; OSU may not prioritize QB/RB aggressively.)

In summary, Ohio State's portal strategy focuses on defense and special teams to complement their offensive talent. If they secure top targets like Coleman and a kicker, the 2026 Buckeyes could be reloaded for redemption. Keep an eye on announcements starting January 2—Day's aggressiveness could make or break the offseason.