Cody Croy
Writer
Baylor transfer kicker Connor Hawkins has signed with Ohio State, according to Rivals insider Hayes Fawcett. He will have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining. Hawkins took to social media after his commitment, posting “Let’s roll!!” On X. After some uncertainty regarding the kicking situation, the Buckeyes finally have their guy.
Hawkins played two seasons for the Bears and never missed an extra point. Hawkins’ leg has shown to be powerful, kicking a career-long of 54 yards. Kicker became a big need for the Buckeyes when projected starter Jackson Courville entered the transfer portal and signed with Tulane. With Jayden Fielding out of eligibility, the Buckeyes spent some time without a rostered kicker. Hawkins is now the second special teams addition in the portal, joining transfer long snapper Dalton Riggs.
Special teams have been an Achilles heel for the Buckeyes over the past couple of seasons. Fans cringe when recalling the famous New Year’s Eve missed kick by former Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles against the Georgia Bulldogs in the playoffs. Jayden Fielding leaves a bad taste in the mouth, coming off his final season with the Buckeyes due to his inconsistent play in his time with the program. Connor Hawkins gives the Buckeyes a fresh start and a chance to change the narrative when talking about the Buckeyes.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff take an unorthodox approach when it comes to special teams. Following the firing of special teams coordinator Parker Fleming in 2024, the Buckeyes named Rob Keys to the role. Keys, however, has a team of advisors who work to make the special teams better. While this committee approach has yet to yield the results expected by Buckeyes fans all around, Keys and company will look to turn it with some new talent incoming in 2026.
Bryson Blue
Writer
After almost a week of anticipation, the star quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, Dante Moore, has made his decision on his future.
Cody Croy
Writer
Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing has signed with Ohio State. The Illinois native will have one season of eligibility remaining. He is a former 3-star recruit in the class of 2020. Welcing, who will be gearing up for his sixth season of college football, spent five of them with the Northwestern Wildcats. Battling injury, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive linemen Qua Russaw and James Smith have announced their commitment to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The pair visited Ohio State together last week. The Buckeyes now have 11 transfer portal additions and 30 departures during this cycle. Qua Russaw, a redshirt junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. […]
