If you’ve spent any time on message boards lately, you know the vibe around the Ohio State wide receiver transfer portal situation is basically a mix of panic and "trust the process." One minute we’re talking about Zone 6 being a factory, and the next, it feels like the doors are swinging open and everyone’s heading for the exit. It’s wild. Honestly, after a season that ended with a stinging loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl, the roster churn was inevitable. But let’s be real: seeing the sheer number of names hitting the portal can make even the most optimistic Buckeye fan a little nauseous.
The headlines make it sound like the sky is falling because Brian Hartline isn’t just an assistant anymore—he's the head coach at USF. Losing the guy who literally built the "WRU" reputation is a massive blow. People are looking at the departures of guys like Mylan Graham and Bryson Rodgers and thinking the talent pipeline is leaking. But is it really? Or is this just the new reality of college football where if you aren't starting by year two, you're looking for a fresh start?
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The Great Exodus: Who Actually Left?
Usually, when we talk about the portal, it’s one or two guys. This cycle? It’s been a revolving door. Since the end of the 2025 season, the Buckeyes have watched a handful of high-pedigree receivers pack their bags.
- Mylan Graham: This one stung. A former five-star who had all the hype in the world, but the path to playing time was just too crowded.
- Bryson Rodgers: He was always on the verge of breaking through, but in a room this deep, "on the verge" doesn't get you on the field.
- Quincy Porter: Another big-time prospect who decided South Bend (Notre Dame) looked a bit better than Columbus for his immediate future.
- Damarion Witten & Bodpegn Miller: These guys were depth pieces, sure, but losing five receivers in one window is enough to make any depth chart look a little thin.
Then you've got Carnell Tate declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. That wasn't a portal move, but it adds to the vacuum. Tate was the steady hand, the guy who did everything right. Replacing that kind of veteran presence while simultaneously losing your developmental prospects to the portal is a precarious tightrope for Ryan Day to walk.
The "Jeremiah Smith" Effect
Here is the thing: as long as Jeremiah Smith is in the building, the Buckeyes have a chance to beat anyone. There were rumors—there are always rumors—that Smith might entertain the portal himself. Miami has been lurking since he was a recruit. But on January 7, 2026, he basically broke the internet (and Buckeye Twitter) by tweeting, "Not going nowhere."
Smith is the sun that this entire offense orbits around. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons and is within striking distance of every major Ohio State receiving record. If he had left, we’d be having a very different conversation about the state of the program. With him staying, the portal departures of the younger guys feel more like a necessary pruning of the roster rather than a systemic collapse.
Why everyone is leaving at once
It's pretty simple. Brian Hartline was the glue. When he took the USF job, that personal connection vanished. Ohio State hired Cortez Hankton to replace him, and while Hankton has a resume that includes developing guys like Malik Nabers and George Pickens, he’s still the "new guy."
Players today don't wait three years to see if they like a new position coach. They've got agents and NIL collectives whispering in their ears. If you're a sophomore receiver and you're buried behind Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss, and your lead recruiter just moved to Florida, the portal looks pretty enticing.
Rebuilding the Room: New Faces in Columbus
It’s not all bad news. Ryan Day and Cortez Hankton haven't just been sitting on their hands watching the "Out" door. They’ve been aggressive in finding immediate replacements to supplement the remaining talent.
Kyle Parker coming over from LSU is a massive get. He’s got that SEC speed and already knows Hankton from their time in Baton Rouge. Last season, Parker put up over 300 yards and four scores, which are exactly the kind of "reliable second option" numbers the Buckeyes need. Then you have Devin McCuin, the UTSA transfer. People might overlook a guy from the G5 level, but McCuin is a burner. He’s that classic "slot-plus" player who can take a screen 70 yards if you give him an inch.
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And we can't forget the kids. Chris Henry Jr. is walking onto campus as arguably the most hyped true freshman receiver since, well, Jeremiah Smith. He’s a five-star, he’s huge, and he’s ready to play right now.
The 2026 Wide Receiver Depth Chart (Projected)
- Jeremiah Smith (The Alpha)
- Brandon Inniss (The Veteran Leader)
- Kyle Parker (The LSU Transfer)
- Devin McCuin (The Speed Threat)
- Chris Henry Jr. (The Next Big Thing)
- David Adolph (Reliable Depth)
Basically, the starting lineup is still better than 95% of the country. The concern isn't the top end; it's what happens if one of those top three gets a high ankle sprain in Week 4. The depth that Hartline spent years building has essentially been reset.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Portal
The biggest misconception is that "losing players = losing the program." In the 2026 landscape, the Ohio State wide receiver transfer portal activity is actually a sign of a healthy, albeit changing, ecosystem.
Think about it. If you have so much talent that five-star recruits feel they have to leave to get playing time, you’re doing something right in recruiting. The problem only arises if you fail to replace them with proven commodities. By snagging Parker and McCuin, Day has opted for "floor" over "ceiling." He doesn't need five more freshmen who might be great in 2028; he needs guys who can catch passes from Julian Sayin in 2026.
Honestly, the "Brotherhood" isn't dead. It just looks a lot more like a professional sports roster than a traditional college team. The days of a guy sitting for three years to wait his turn are gone. You either play or you portal.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're tracking the Buckeyes this year, keep an eye on these specific shifts:
- Watch the Slot: Brandon Inniss is likely to move into a much more prominent role. With Carnell Tate gone, Inniss becomes the primary intermediate target.
- Target Distribution: Expect Jeremiah Smith to see a massive target share. We’re talking 10-12 targets a game.
- The Hankton Influence: Look for more vertical concepts. Hankton’s LSU offenses were famous for the "go ball," and with Smith and Henry Jr., the Buckeyes have the size to win those 50/50 balls.
- Monitor the Spring: The portal opens again after spring ball. If one of the transfers doesn't look like a fit, don't be surprised if the Buckeyes go fishing for one more veteran wideout in May.
The sky isn't falling in Columbus. It's just a different shade of Scarlet. The transition from the Hartline era to the Hankton era was always going to be bumpy, but as long as #4 is lining up on the outside, the Buckeyes are going to be just fine.
Next Steps for Fans:
Follow the official Ohio State football social accounts through the end of January to confirm the final scholarship count. With the January 16 deadline having just passed, the roster is largely set, but NIL adjustments often happen behind the scenes before spring practice begins in March. Check out the latest practice footage to see how Julian Sayin is timing up his deep balls with Kyle Parker and the new arrivals.