Ohio State Buckeyes Lose Defensive Lineman To The Transfer Portal After Bowl Game Loss

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a rough stretch since losing to Michigan. While the program had a great signing day, they have lost a lot of talent to the transfer portal. On top of that, they suffered an embarrassing bowl game loss to Missouri albeit without their best players. On Saturday, the Buckeyes lost another piece to the portal as defensive lineman Jaden McKenzie announced he would be entering.

Ohio State defensive lineman Jaden McKenzie has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

Former three-star recruit finishes career in Columbus with 20 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs and a forced fumble in 22 games. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/mdM3n3wLzq

Ohio State Buckeyes Lose DL Jaden McKenzie

McKenzie has been in Columbus for four years but has not seen the field much. The Buckeyes often have star players on the defensive line and McKenzie could never climb the depth chart. In four seasons, he has 20 total tackles, eight solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. The former three-star recruit will try and find a program where he can get more reps throughout the game.

Program Feels Unsettled Still

After the huge wins on National Signing Day, it seemed like the wariness about the program had subsided. After the bowl game loss, it seems to be back. Head coach Ryan Day has not had a great record when it matters most. While he can get his team to feast on the bottom feeders of the Big Ten, the big matchups do not often swing his way. The Big Ten is getting tougher as well though the 2024 schedule only features one game against a newcomer (Oregon).

The Ohio State Buckeyes will have to hope that their top recruiting class can help replenish talent on the roster. If Day and his staff cannot put in a good 2024, the seats will likely be getting warmer.