Redshirt sophomore offensive tackle George Fitzpatrick is entering the transfer portal, sources reported on Saturday.
Despite being a four-star prospect out of Cherry Creek High School in the 2022 class, Fitzpatrick struggled to receive substantial playing time after redshirting in 2022. Fitzpatrick played in three games in 2023 and played in 13 games this year, but has been a backup player during his time with the Buckeyes even after starting left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending injury during the regular season.
The impact of Fitzpatrick’s departure from the program will be lessened for the Buckeyes by the additions of former Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa and former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels, who will join the Buckeyes in 2025 out of the transfer portal.
Despite the additions of Onianwa and Daniels, Fitzpatrick’s entry into the transfer portal is less than ideal for the Buckeyes, who will lose Simmons and starting offensive tackle Josh Fryar after the season and have already seen former backup offensive tackle Zen Michalski enter the transfer portal and commit to Indiana.
