Having announced his intention to transfer earlier this season, Ohio State graduate linebacker Teradja Mitchell announced his destination as Florida Jan. 2.
In five seasons at Ohio State, Mitchell collected 63 tackles with seven tackles for loss and a pass deflection. Forty-five of those tackles and 4½ tackles for loss came in his 2021 season, as in 2022 Mitchell faded into a special teams role and didn’t record a single takedown. He only played in four games due to a hamstring injury, giving him the ability to redshirt and preserve one final year of eligibility.
“Really wish things could’ve ended differently. Sometimes giving it your all only gives you a chance,” Mitchell said in a Tweet Jan. 1. “A special thank you to Buckeye Nation and the ones who gave us unwavering support throughout this journey. It’s been a pleasure.”
Mitchell exited high school as a four-star recruit, ranked the No. 44 overall prospect in the nation and No. 2 inside linebacker. Struggles with mental health caused him to enter his freshman year overweight, as he later told, impacting his early development.
With draft decisions still on the horizon, the full linebacker picture for Ohio State in 2023 is unclear. Fourth-year 2022 starters Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are yet to make official declarations about their respective futures. Third-year Chip Trayanum could either factor in at linebacker or running back moving forward.
Fifth-year Palaie Gaoteote could return for another year via COVID-19 waiver, while third-years Cody Simon and Mitchell Melton, second-year Reid Carrico and freshmen C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers are likely to return barring a transfer.
