College football is basically a giant game of "what if." What if a blue-chip recruit had just stayed healthy? What if the depth chart at a powerhouse wasn't so crowded? For Kojo Antwi Colorado State is the answer to those questions, a fresh start for a guy who once looked like the next big thing at Ohio State.
If you follow the recruiting trail, you know the name. Antwi wasn't just some guy; he was a four-star stud out of Lambert High School in Georgia, the kind of player programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M were tripping over themselves to sign. He chose Brian Hartline and the Buckeyes, which is usually a fast track to the NFL. But football is rarely that simple. After three years in Columbus and very little to show for it on the stat sheet, Antwi hit the portal.
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Now he's in Fort Collins. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting "second acts" in the Mountain West.
The Ohio State logjam that changed everything
Look, being a receiver at Ohio State is like trying to get a table at the hottest restaurant in town during graduation week. You can be amazing, and you’re still waiting behind guys like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate. Antwi saw the writing on the wall. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, he only managed one catch. Just one. An eight-yarder against Western Michigan in 2024.
That’s not a knock on his talent. It’s just reality. When you're in a room with five-star recruits who are essentially NFL players in waiting, someone gets left out. Antwi played in 13 games mostly on special teams, earning his "Varsity O" but never getting the chance to show that "explosive firework display" style of play that scouts raved about in high school.
Why Kojo Antwi Colorado State is a perfect match
When Antwi committed to the Rams on January 14, 2025, it wasn't just another transfer. It was a statement. Colorado State has become a sneaky-good destination for receivers who want to be the guy. Jay Norvell’s "Air Raid" offense is basically a wideout’s dream.
You've gotta think about the sheer volume of targets available in this system. If you can run a route and catch a ball, Norvell will find you. Antwi brings a specific kind of physical profile—6-foot, 195 pounds—that the Rams needed. He’s got that short-area suddenness that makes him a nightmare in the slot, but he’s also thick enough to play outside and win those 50/50 balls.
The Achilles setback
Football can be cruel. Just when the hype was building during the 2025 fall camp, Antwi hit a massive speed bump. On August 4, 2025, he suffered an Achilles injury. It was a gut punch for a guy who had just found his footing in a new program.
- The Recovery: He spent much of the early 2025 season on the sidelines.
- The Impact: Instead of being the WR1 from Day 1, he had to become a student of the game from the rehab room.
- The Return: Coach Norvell spoke highly of his resiliency, noting that as he got healthier through conference play, his dependability became a huge asset for the locker room.
By late 2025, we started seeing flashes. He popped up in the box scores against UNLV and New Mexico, finally recording his first meaningful collegiate catches. He finished the 2025 campaign with 8 catches for 48 yards—modest numbers, sure, but they represent a massive personal victory after what he went through.
What most people get wrong about "Portal Flops"
There's this narrative that if a guy leaves a big school like Ohio State and doesn't immediately become an All-American at a smaller school, he’s a "bust." That’s garbage.
Kojo Antwi is 21 years old. He’s a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility left heading into 2026. He spent three years learning from Brian Hartline, arguably the best wide receiver coach in the country. You don't just lose that technique. What he lacked was reps. Now, at Colorado State, he’s getting them.
The Mountain West isn't the Big Ten, but it's physical. Defenders are older and stronger. Antwi’s transition hasn't been about a lack of talent; it’s been about health and timing.
The 2026 Outlook: Can he finally break out?
So, what's next? If you're a Rams fan or a Devy league manager, you should be watching his health closely this spring. Achilles injuries aren't the career-enders they used to be, but they take time to fully "snap" back.
Basically, 2026 is the "now or never" year. Antwi has the pedigree. He has the coaching. He has the system. Most importantly, he seems to have the mindset. He didn't tuck tail and quit after the injury; he stayed with the team and worked his way back onto the field. That says more about a player's pro potential than a 40-yard dash time ever could.
Key Stats and Facts
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6'0", 195 lbs
- High School: Lambert (GA) - 4-star recruit
- Previous School: Ohio State (2022-2024)
- Eligibility: Redshirt Senior in 2026
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking Kojo Antwi's progress, here is what to look for over the next few months:
- Spring Ball Participation: If Antwi is a full participant in 2026 spring practices without a "non-contact" jersey, he's back.
- Target Share: Watch how many times the QBs look his way in the first three games. If he's getting 6+ targets, the coaching staff trusts him to be a focal point.
- Special Teams: Don't ignore his value as a returner. He did this in high school, and with his build, he’s a tough tackle in the open field.
- Route Depth: Is he just catching screens, or is he running those "separation-inducing downfield routes" he was known for as a recruit?
Kojo Antwi's journey from a high-profile recruit in Georgia to a resilient veteran at Colorado State is a reminder that the path to the top isn't a straight line. Sometimes you have to go a mile high to find your voice. Keep an eye on #11 in Fort Collins; the story is far from over.