Ohio State took a hit in the secondary on Sunday evening as a pair of sophomore defensive backs – cornerback Jyaire Brown and safety Kye Stokes – announced their entry to the transfer portal.
Brown as a four-star cornerback that came to Ohio State highly touted. After receiving significant playing time last season, including a start for the Buckeyes, Brown’s playing time suffered significantly this season, appearing in just four games for Ohio State as he was surpassed on the depth chart by the likes of freshman Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Calvin Simpson-Hunt.
Stokes arrived in the same class as Brown as a four-star prospect in his own right, and had an impressive first spring with the Buckeyes, including a strong outing in last year’s Spring Game that led to eight appearances last season with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
But like Brown, Stokes got lost on the depth chart this season, surpassed by true freshman Malik Hartford as Lathan Ransom, Josh Proctor, Sonny Styles, Ja’Had Carter and Hartford received most of Ohio State’s snaps at safety.
Brown’s transfer – in addition to cornerback Ryan Turner – leaves Ohio State’s depth thin at corner entering next season, though the Buckeyes do have three cornerbacks – Bryce West, Aaron Scott and Miles Lockhart – coming in this next recruiting class. Ohio State is more prepared to take a hit at safety, with Carter, Styles and a trio of second-year safeties – Hartford, Jayden Bonsu and Cedrick Hawkins – all expected back for the Buckeyes.
| Name | Position | Eligibility Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Omari Abor | DE | Three Years |
| Jyaire Brown | CB | Three Years |
| Reid Carrico | LB | Three Years |
| Victor Cutler Jr. | OL | One Year |
| Julian Fleming | WR | One Year |
| Jakob James | OL | One Year |
| Parker Lewis | K | One Year |
| Cameron Martinez | SAF | Two Years |
| Kyle McCord | QB | One Year |
| Evan Pryor | RB | Three Years |
| Joe Royer | TE | Two Years |
| Kye Stokes | SAF | Three Years |
| Chip Trayanum | RB | One Year |
| Ryan Turner | CB | Three Years |
