The Ohio State Buckeyes have been creating a lot of buzz this offseason. They are under immense pressure to win now, especially considering how much talent they have on the roster. One of the pitfalls of a glut of talent in the current college football landscape is players may decide to move on if they do not like their place on the depth chart. The Buckeyes are losing former four-star defensive back Cedrick Hawkins to the transfer portal.
Ohio State Loses Cedrick Hawkins To The Transfer Portal
BREAKING: Ohio State DB Cedrick Hawkins plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’0 188 DB from Titusville, FL will have 4 years of eligibility remaining
Was ranked as a Four-Star Recruit in the ‘23 Class (per On3)https://t.co/gAXYgVff2c pic.twitter.com/GoAsKE32CB
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 16, 2024
Hawkins still has four years of eligibility left, showing how much talent the Buckeyes have in the secondary. After two spring practices this offseason, he decided it was time to move on. There are a lot of talented safeties on the roster, and the Hawkins would have struggled to get playing time. He hopes to find a program where he can be the clear starter rather than fighting for a starting spot. He logged zero snaps last season, which likely led to his departure as well.
2024 Outlook
Ohio State goes into 2024 with sky-high expectations. They have been second-best in the Big Ten for the past few years. However, Jim Harbaugh is gone, and it is a new era for the Michigan Wolverines. The Buckeyes hope the new era brings new results. It isn’t just Michigan the team has to worry about. Oregon and USC join the conference this year and have their sights set on a Big Ten title. Penn State is always a tough opponent, and even the Wolverines won’t be a pushover.
Ryan Day has his work cut out for him. If he is unable to produce in 2024, there might be some changes happening in Columbus.