Ohio State Boosts Defense with Commitment of 2025 Transfer Ty Howard

In one of the biggest moves to strengthen their linebacker corps, Ohio State University has secured a commitment from Duquesne University transfer Ty Howard for the 2025 season. Howard, an All-Northeast Conference performer, announced that he will join the Buckeyes on January 5, 2025, in a deal seen to further boost a rather strong roster.

Transfer Impact

The addition of Ty Howard to Ohio State is well-timed as the Buckeyes seek to stay atop college football. A multi-faceted defensive back who had an excellent season at Duquesne, Howard earned honors for his work on defense. Howard recorded 52 tackles, seven for loss, four sacks, three interceptions and added several key pass breakups and fumble recoveries in nine games for the Dukes in 2024. His performance, especially his incredible four-game run of recording takeaways, showed him as a potential game-changer on defense.

Why Ohio State?

Ohio State had an interest in Howard due to his trail of success that precedes him and the demand for experienced players within the linebacker core. Howard chose to transfer in due to various factors, including playing on one of the most storied programs in college football with a knack for producing top talent into the NFL. The family tie to Ohio State, too, as Howard is the big brother of freshman running back signee Bo Jackson, probably didn't hurt. As a result, Ohio State not only builds up its defenses but also brings the siblings closer and supportive of each other in their respective collegiate careers.

What Howard Brings to the Team

Howard is a pretty attractive addition with his athletic profile at 6-foot and 200 pounds and two years of eligibility remaining. A big-play-capable defender - as evident in his interception return for a touchdown in 2024 - Howard has a high ceiling within the Jim Knowles defensive scheme. While he will probably start off as a depth addition, his skills indicate that he could vie for a more important position, especially since Cody Simon departed.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Talents will surround the linebacker room at Ohio State, including but not limited to: Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Payton Pierce, and Garrett Stover. Then again, Howard has experience and success at the FCS level that might allow him to carve out some sort of role. His addition means strategic depth-the ability of Ohio State to continue performing at a high level in injury or when somebody is underperforming.

With this transfer, Ohio State has continued to utilize the transfer portal as efficiently as in the case of earlier transfers like Will Howard from Kansas State, who has already been declared the starting quarterback for the 2024 season. This trend underlines the Buckeyes' commitment to adapting and enhancing their roster through both high school recruitment and the transfer portal.

Conclusion

Ty Howard's commitment to Ohio State for the 2025 season is a lot more than a transfer but an addition to strengthen up the Buckeyes' defense. Teaming up with his brother and such a talented class of linebackers, Ohio State fans and coaches will be anxious to see how the skills will truly translate into a competitive Big Ten Conference. His storyline from Duquesne to Ohio State will be one to keep an eye on, as he tries to leave his stamp on one of the most historic college football programs.

Duquesne Football Players Ty Howard, JaMario Clements and Joey Isabella Discuss Win Over Mercyhurst

Ohio State vs Oregon: Rose Bowl 2025 Showdown

It's a stage set perfectly at the iconic stadium known as the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Oregon Ducks in an exciting College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup on January 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Below is a detailed look regarding this anticipated matchup:

Game Details:

* Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

* Time: 5:00 PM EST

* Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA

* TV/Streaming: Live on ESPN, with options to stream.

Coaches:

Ohio State: Ryan Day, 67-10 at Ohio State. All the energizing offenses come from Day, the coach who has his job on the line after losing to Michigan but should rebound with a strong showing versus Tennessee in the first round of the CFP.

Oregon: Dan Lanning, in his third year, has guided the Ducks to a perfect 13-0 record, capturing the Big Ten title in their first season in the conference. His strategic mind has helped shape the winning run by Oregon.

Key Players:

Ohio State:

Quarterback: Will Howard, the transfer from Kansas State, has been very impressive this year, completing 72.9 percent of his passes. Other players who support the offense in its cause include the wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith.

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson has been a workhorse, particularly in the fourth quarter, with an average of 8.6 yards per touch.

Oregon:

Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel has been the motor of the Ducks offense, completing 73.2% of his passes while contributing in very big ways with both his arm and legs.

Running Back: Jordan James had an outstanding year on the ground, topping 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, and was the toughest back to face down.

Defense: Jordan Burch is back from injury and has added considerable strength with his 8.5 sacks this season.

Odds:

The early betting line had Oregon as a slight favorite, but at the latest reports, Ohio State comes in at 2.5-point favorites, with an over/under of around 54.5 points.

How to Win:

Ohio State:

That creative offense will need to keep this Oregon defense guessing on each and every play. Ohio State needs to make Oregon one-dimensional by stopping the run and Jordan James. The OSU defensive line has to pressure Gabriel consistently in order to disrupt the passing game.

Oregon:

What Oregon will want to do is keep its offensive effectiveness alive with the mobility of Gabriel and his acumen as a passer. They will want to make a strength-on-strength takeaway in the air to Ohio State by using its strong secondary, and to affect Howard's rhythm, pressuring him is required, which depends upon the availability of Burch. 

Last Meeting:

Oregon upset Ohio State, 32-31, in an absolute nail-biter back in October at Autzen Stadium. Oregon's quarterback completed 341 passing yards against Ohio State's defense for three total touchdowns. The close victory showcased how Oregon can win the tight ones. The game also outlined where the roots of this great victory were rooted.

What to Watch For:

Both teams boast high-powered offenses, along with defenses that have flashed brilliance-all the ingredients for another classic. Under the microscope will be the players' performances: the strategy matchup between Day and Lanning. With the stakes escalated to a playoff quarterfinal, there figures to be some strategic adjustments on both sides, possibly making for a game decided in the final moments, much like their last encounter.

For most enthusiast fans, hard-core analysts, and fervent bettors alike, the question lingers whether Ohio State can finally have its revenge or Oregon will move into the semifinals undefeated. It promises football at a very high level, with a very important stake in the development of this budding rivalry.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon | Game Preview

CJ Donaldson to Ohio State: New Chapter 2025

In one of the more significant blows to West Virginia Mountaineers' backfield next season, power-running, bruising back CJ Donaldson Jr. has given a commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025. In Donaldson, Ohio State gets perhaps one of the more dynamic power running backs in the country - the one that terrorizes defenses by not going down after contact easily.

It's been an eventful college football career so far for CJ Donaldson, who initially committed to West Virginia as a three-star recruit. A former tight end who made his way to running back, he wasted no time leaving his fingerprints on the gridiron. This versatile, strong back rushed 2,058 yards for 30 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Mountaineers. That commitment to Ohio State came on the heels of a visit made on December 23, 2024, which all but had signaled the end of his time at West Virginia and marked a new beginning.

Ohio State?

Ohio State's interest in Donaldson speaks to the school's intent on solidifying the backfield with veteran and physically imposing talent. His transfer comes at a time when the Buckeyes are trying to stay atop the Big Ten mountain, and one area that has received plenty of attention in recent times is in the running game. 

Ohio State Running Backs 2025 Outlook:

CJ Donaldson Jr.: The instant depth and a track record of success is what Donaldson brings into the transfer. Listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, his size is very complementary to Ohio State's line - possibly allowing for some powerful rushing attacks.

Quinshon Judkins: If Judkins does not declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, he would still be a staple in the Buckeyes' backfield. His agility and vision were crucial in past seasons, and a potential return would make for an intriguing duo with Donaldson.

Younger Backs: Throw in a couple of young Buckeye talents in James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon. People's speed and the potential of William-Dixon could see them getting more opportunities, especially when different running styles are needed in the game.

Other transfers: The Buckeyes have been connected to a few other running backs through the transfer portal, which includes former USC running back Quinten Joyner. If true, these additions would only enhance the roster further with added depth and competition.

Coaching Perspective:

This coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, is salivating with the new options this lineup presents. Donaldson's ability to break tackles and his experience within the Big 12 will more than likely make for an easy adjustment to the physicality of the Big Ten. Locklyn's philosophy is always to seek a balanced attack that no doubt will find opportunities to use Donaldson in matchups that could present mismatches.

Look Ahead:

The 2025 season at Ohio State looks bright for the fans of the running game. With CJ Donaldson coming into the fold, the Buckeyes add not just a workhorse back but also a player with leadership qualities from his time at West Virginia. This mix of experience, new talent, and strategic coaching could very well lead Ohio State to dominate ground games in the upcoming season.

As the team integrates these players, the focus will be on how they fit into the offensive scheme, manage depth, and handle the ball distribution. With a mix of power, speed, and experience, Ohio State's running back room is set to be one of the highlights of their squad in 2025.

CJ Donaldson Jr. 2024 Regular Season Highlights | 2024 Big 12 Football

Purdue's Will Heldt: A Sought-After Edge Rusher Explores New Horizons

The transfer portal, in a constantly changing landscape of college football, serves as the primary method through which players pursue fresh opportunities and by which programs round out their respective rosters. Adding to that mix will be Will Heldt, an All-American defensive end from Purdue University who, by way of an entered transfer portal, has captured the interest of several of the nation's top programs in college football. A mix of size, agility, and performance, the visit schedule of Heldt has been one of the prime focuses for both fans and coaches. 

The Heldt Factor:

Will Heldt, standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, has been a force in the middle of Purdue's defense. His sophomore season saw 56 tackles, with a total of 10 going for loss, while amassing 5 sacks; he also had a memorable recovery of a fumble that ended up in the opponent's end zone. His numbers alone depict a player who shall be unleashed in his entirety, making him an interesting look for teams in dire need of a strong edge presence.

Visit Schedule:

 Heldt has been taking a long ride through the transfer portal with at least a few high-profile visits on tap:

Ohio State: Heldt visits Ohio State at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes' depth along their defensive line. Ohio State is used to elite talent in football, but it's looking to Heldt as a real potential differentiator, considering his size and speed.

Clemson: A visit to Clemson is especially interesting because it marks a departure from the program's longstanding avoidance of using transfer portal players, let alone defensively. That Dabo Swinney would show serious interest in Heldt signifies a possible new approach in seeking to use Heldt as a linchpin to take their already stalwart defense over the top.

LSU: The Tigers in Baton Rouge have shown keen interest in Heldt, and his visit would show that LSU intends to tackle the defensive line after losing many of their key players to eligibility and the transfer portal. LSU has a great history of developing NFL talent, which could be enticing for Heldt.

Texas A&M: Similar to LSU, Texas A&M does see Heldt as a piece to help strengthen their defense. Based on recent history with transfers from Purdue, the Aggies appear well-positioned to keep that run going with Heldt.

Decision Coming:

Agents of Heldt have been instrumental in managing his transfer process, and with every visit, he makes sure that he assesses where best he can continue with his football career as well as his academic pursuits. A decision he will make will affect not just his future but also the competitive balance driving college football conferences.

With two years of eligibility remaining, the choice of school will be closely monitored that Heldt makes. His visits aren't just about finding a new team but also about finding a program that aligns with his aspirations both on and off the field. Each school offers something different: coaching philosophies, development programs, and the road to the NFL.

Conclusion:

Will Heldt's transfer journey is a perfect representation of how changing landscapes in college football can shift the dynamic of teams with just one or two players. With his visits coming to a close, the college football world waits for a decision with the knowledge that wherever Heldt decides to go, he will make an impact. It's a story of opportunity and potential and the eternal quest for excellence in one of America's most favorite sports.

The SHOCKING DECISION made by Dabo Swinney | Purdue transfer Will Heldt visiting Clemson

Devin Royal Shines as Ohio State Overpowers Valparaiso in Basketball

On Tuesday night at the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State Buckeyes brought their complete game against Valparaiso and emerged convincing victors: 95-73. All credit to the high-flying sophomore forward Devin Royal, who belied a rather complete game of new career highs in scoring and rebounding for a versatile big man.

Career Night for Royal

Royal had a career-best performance, scoring 31 points while shooting an efficient 11-for-16 from the floor with 1-of-4 marks from deep and 8 of 9 from the free throw line. He also proved his worth in rebounding, collecting a career-high 15 boards. It makes him the first Buckeye since Jared Sullinger in 2011 to register a 30-point, 15-rebound game and showcases his blossoming impact on the team's fortunes.

Team Work

While Royal was the star of the night, he was by no means alone as the Buckeyes won. Evan Mahaffey came off the bench and provided a huge boost with 15 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night, while Bruce Thornton and Micah Parrish added 14 each in a well-rounded effort from the Ohio State bench. The depth was strong in this one for Ohio State - even without Meechie Johnson, who did not play due to a personal leave of absence.

Game Flow

The game tipped the scales early in favor of Ohio State in the first half, as a three from John Mobley Jr. tipped off a run that gave the Buckeyes the lead for good. Royal was huge in contributing to extending Ohio State's lead to big free throws and tough hustle plays. At intermission, Ohio State was in a comfortable 41-30 lead that it would ride out during the second half to never allow Valparaiso within striking distance.

Looking Ahead

This win launches Ohio State into a confident matchup against No. 4 Kentucky on Saturday and gives Royal and his teammates a good foundation on which to build that momentum. The Buckeyes, with a real good record now, could capitalize on the home-court advantage in games to come. It was indicative not just of Royal's growing talent but also of the depth that the team could use throughout the season.

Devin Royal highlights from Ohio State's win vs. Valparaiso | Big Ten on NBC

Royal's emergence as a key player for Ohio State comes at a crucial time. The ability to step up in big games, like this one against Valparaiso, speaks volumes of his development from promising freshman to pivotal figure in the Buckeyes lineup. His performance against Valpo was a clear signal to opponents that Ohio State has a force to reckon with in the frontcourt.

In all, Devin Royal's career night was the bright spot in an otherwise team-oriented display from the Ohio State Buckeyes. His leadership on the court and his ability to dominate both offensively and defensively were the main reasons that such a convincing win could be secured and set the standard high for the rest of the season.

Transfer Portal Entries: What's Next for the USC Running Back? - Quinten Joyner

Quinten Joyner, the electric running back for the USC Trojans, has headlined transfer portal entries prior to the 2025 season. Coming off of a dynamic season in 2024 for Joyner, this development was highly intriguing for college football enthusiasts and analysts alike.

 

Impressive 2024 Season

Joyner was a big factor in the 2024 season, pacing the Big Ten in yards per carry with an average of 7.6. Yet even then, he continued to cede the top billing for most of that time to Woody Marks. Maybe this limited playing time contributed to Joyner exploring other options where he'd be more in the front burner.

Reasons for Transfer

While the exact reasons as to why Joyner decided to transfer are not publicly known, one thing is for sure: he wants a team where he can maximize his potential and showcase his skill. The competition for starting positions at USC is fierce, and Joyner's move indicates a desire for more playing time and exposure.

Landing Spots

Speculation runs deep on where Joyner might land. The Ohio State Buckeyes are considered one of the favorites to land Joyner after recently hosting him on a visit. Ohio State will have to improve at running back this coming season, and Joyner fits the mold of what they're looking for. His explosive-play and consistent-yardage skill set would be huge for any team.

USC Impact

Joyner's departure leaves a noticeable void in the USC backfield. The Trojans will have to find someone of his caliber to replace him and keep the momentum on offense. This unplanned transfer makes things a bit more difficult for USC going into the 2025 season.

Conclusion

The college football world is anxiously waiting to find out where this talented running back will commit to via the transfer portal. Quinten Joyner is the one who has been weighing options about his next move; a move that will not only affect his career but also how things go in the dynamics of the team he eventually chooses. For now, Ohio State looks like a leader, but only time will tell the next move Joyner makes.

Jordyn Woods, committed to Ohio State football, had initial plans to attend Cincinnati.

In what has to be the biggest u-turn in recent history one of the best young guns, Jordyn Woods, has committed to Ohio State University to play football after initially agreeing to study and play at the University of Cincinnati. The commitment represents one of the biggest decisions that the prodigious teen will have made in his life so far, because he now will be part of one of the most successful, storied programs anywhere in the land.

 

U-Turn: From Cincinnati to Ohio State

First, he had verbally pledged to attend the University of Cincinnati solely because of the nature of the program and proximity to home. However, he later consulted with his family, coaches, and mentors and took a courageous call to flip his commitment to Ohio State University.

The Ohio State football team has a longstanding reputation of greatness, from all the greats that have made it to the NFL to competing for national championships almost yearly. That would explain why Woods-who committed to the Buckeyes-have goals of pushing herself to the limit.

Jordyn Woods: An Athlete with Versatility

Jordyn Woods is an athlete in several sports. In addition to football, he is also involved in track and field, basketball, and other sports. He possesses a combination of speed, agility, and strength on the field that has led him to commit himself to training hard, working to improve his game, and becoming one of the nation's top prospects.

It was definitely not an easy decision on Woods' part, which speaks more to his ability as an athlete and also reflects his resilience and adaptability in light of changed circumstances. He will be joining an elite list of athletes at Ohio State, and that determination will help him in making his rounds into collegiate football. 

What This Means for Ohio State Football

The addition of Jordyn Woods on the roster at Ohio State will be a big one. Ohio State's football program is normally comprised of the nation's most elite talent, and a commitment from Woods only further points out the school's continued pledge to pursue and cultivate the best players in the country. Jordyn will undoubtedly make an immediate presence known, bringing speed and athleticism into the fold.

That Jordyn Woods will be making the trip to Ohio State University is a vote of confidence in his growing skills and strength as an athlete. Opting for the Buckeyes over Cincinnati is yet another indication that he is ready to rise to new challenges, push himself harder, and aim higher. The young talent will grace the football field in seasons to come.

In August, as Woods readies himself for the next chapter of his athletic career, one thing is for sure: his commitment, talent, and love of the game will no doubt make him a stand-out player at Ohio State University.