Ryan Day’s Ohio State saw just 15 players enter the transfer portal during the 2024 season. That trend seems to be changing this year, as the Buckeyes have already nearly reached that total despite more than 10 days still remaining in the 2025-26 college football transfer portal window.
Former Ohio State 4-Star Cornerback Delivers Strong Statement After Heading to Transfer Portal
Multiple reports surfaced on Saturday that cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. planned to enter the transfer portal, a decision he ultimately confirmed on Sunday with an emotional message.
“Buckeye Nation man, it was a dream come true to get to play in the backyard of my hometown! I appreciate all the love and support from everyone over these last 2 years. While I wish circumstances had allowed things to work out differently i am blessed and grateful for everything always! Thank y’all for the love, hate and support throughout my time here. #Forever🌰♥️,” Scott tweeted.
Scott also responded to an Ohio State fan who accused players of pressuring the program for more NIL money, making it clear that finances were not a factor in his decision.
“was never about the money for me dawg 🤫,” Scott fired back.
Scott was a former four-star recruit in the 2024 class and signed with Ohio State in December 2023 after having also taken visits to Oregon and Michigan. He was ranked as the top player in Ohio and the No. 26 prospect nationally by On3.
Scott also earned praise from Day in October for his impact on special teams, especially on kick coverage. He was the first Buckeye to reach the 30-yard line on 13 straight kickoffs.
“It felt great,” Scott said at the time. “Coach Day, he’s big on special teams and doing the right thing. I feel like that’s how our culture is. Every play matters, and I took that to the game and was like, if I get a chance to make a play, I’m going to make it.”
Scott will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next destination. He becomes the second Ohio State defensive back to enter the transfer portal since the season ended, joining Bryce West, and the 17th Buckeye overall to announce a transfer this offseason. Other notable departures include linebacker CJ Hicks, quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, and edge rusher Logan George.
Scott’s decision comes despite being viewed by some as a potential contender for a starting role in the PFSN College Football Defense Metric’s No. 2 team’s secondary in 2026. Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. are set to graduate, and Jermaine Mathews Jr. is still weighing his NFL draft options.
Scott appeared in seven games during Ohio State’s CFP national championship run in 2024, logging 106 defensive snaps, all in a reserve role. He totaled 11 tackles and two pass breakups across 19 games in his Buckeyes career.
