Ohio State Hosting Former UCLA Safety Kamari Ramsey This Weekend

Ohio State is gearing up to host another defensive player who entered the transfer portal in former UCLA redshirt safety Kamari Ramsey (6-1, 205), who told 247Sports’ Greg Biggins that he plans to make an official visit to Columbus this weekend. Ramsey, who has three seasons of eligibility left, will also pay a visit to Washington. 

“I’m visiting Ohio State and Washington this weekend,” Ramsey told 247Sports. “I’m still working out the dates, but I’m going to visit those two schools and should have everything locked in soon here.” 

Ramsey, a former four-star prospect out of Los Angeles Sierra Canyon, experienced a breakout season in 2023 while playing under former Bruins and current USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, whose unit ranked eighth in the Pac-12 in scoring defense giving up 25.8 points per game. After appearing in only four games for the Bruins as a true freshman in 2022 and logging just six total tackles, he started all 11 games he played in this season and ranked fourth on the team with 40 tackles, while also racking up 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. 

Ramsey’s visit with the Buckeyes this weekend comes after veteran safety Josh Proctor accepted an invitation on Dec. 5 to participate in the 2024 Senior Bowl on Feb. 3, 2024, a decision that all but ends his six-year Ohio State career. With senior safety Lathan Ransom’s future with the program also uncertain and Cameron Martinez and Kye Stokes transferring, Ramsey can help provide the Buckeyes with some much-needed depth at the position alongside Sonny Styles, Malik Hartford, and Ja’Had Carter, who are all expected to compete for a starting role in the secondary in 2024. 

The Buckeyes also have some reinforcements coming in at the position in their 2024 recruiting class, as West Orange (NJ) Seton Hall Prep and Fort Myers (Fla). Bishop Verot three-star safeties Jaylen McClain (6-0, 185) and Leroy Roker (6-1, 170) have both pledged to the Buckeyes this year. 

In addition to Ramsey, Ohio State is also planning to hold visits for other notable names in the transfer portal this week, including former University of Texas at San Antonio edge rusher Trey Moore 6-3, 235) and former Cal linebacker Kaleb Earms-Orr (6-2, 330). They have also reportedly extended an offer to former Middle Tennessee defensive tackle Marley Cook (6-2, 298) and expressed interest in San Jose State offensive tackle Fernando Carmona.