In the end, the long and winding road leads to Cam Calhoun wearing scarlet and gray. The Cincinnati local broke the news of his commitment to Ohio State today, January 15, 2026, just after touring Columbus. It is one of those tales that can be regarded as the exact right moment of the universe, very close to perfect. This young man from Winton Woods High School was a four-star recruit (ranked No. 397 overall, No. 41 cornerback in the 2023 class) at one point in his career, and now he is returning to his native state after a round trip in college football.
The Long Road to Columbus
Calhoun's college career has been highly unpredictable. He was visiting Ohio State unofficially during late 2022 for The Game against Michigan. Right after the Wolverines had won, he very suddenly committed to them—quite the wound for the Buckeye fans to have salt added. He hardly played during the 2023 season at Michigan (only two games with that national title team), and then he went to Utah for 2024 after which he truly got the reps: 21 tackles, an interception, and nine pass breakups in 11 games. He was able to participate in 14 games (mainly special teams and limited defense) at Alabama last season where, in addition to seven tackles, he recorded a pass deflection.
Now, with two years of eligibility left, he's on his fourth school in four years. But this time, it's different—he's coming home. Reports say Bucknuts broke the interest early in the week, and things moved fast once he stepped on campus. It's cool to see someone with Ohio roots choose the Buckeyes after everything.
Why the Buckeyes Needed This Move
Ohio State's secondary took some hits after the 2025 season wrapped up. The portal's been brutal—guys like Bryce West (who went to Wisconsin) and Aaron Scott Jr. (still unsigned, but in the portal) left, plus Davison Igbinosun headed to the pros. That left the cornerback room feeling pretty thin. Head coach Ryan Day and the staff have been aggressive, pulling in transfers like edge rusher Qua Russaw and DL James Smith from Alabama already. Calhoun makes three from the Tide this cycle, which is wild.
He's not walking in as a guaranteed starter, but with his experience against Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC competition, he should slide right into a rotational role. Maybe nickel in some packages or spot duty outside. Depth is what the Buckeyes were desperate for, and this guy brings it.
2026 Cornerback Room: Who’s Still There and Who’s Rising
Next fall, the cornerback situation is as follows: Senior Jermaine Mathews Jr. is the anchor of the veteran—the veteran who is indeed expected back and is likely to be the one who starts after being the high-confidence player for the team for the last two years. Then there's the five-star recruit in his sophomore year, Devin Sanchez, who's been the one showing the most but is ready now to take the spot of a full-time starter. The two are very well the outside starters.
Beyond them, it's slim pickings right now. Returning scholarship players Miles Lockhart and Jordyn Woods are the only ones with some experience but they hardly played in 2025. The next freshmen in 2026 class might later on become a factor—four-stars such as Jay Timmons (who switched from Florida State) and Jordan Thomas appear to be good bets, but they are real freshmen, thus it would be too much to expect them to take all the responsibility right from the outset.
Calhoun fits perfectly here as that experienced veteran who can compete right away, spell the starters, and help if injuries hit (which they always do). It's a smart, practical addition.
Under Ryan Day and Tim Walton's Watch
Ryan Day keeps proving why he's one of the best in the business—reloading fast after tough losses. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and especially cornerbacks coach Tim Walton have done wonders with the secondary. Walton's NFL background and recruiting chops are huge; he's been key in landing guys like this and developing young talent.
The staff has stability where it matters, even with some coaching carousel moves elsewhere (like Brian Hartline leaving for USF). This transfer haul shows they're not messing around for another title push.
Looking Ahead: A Feel-Good Boost for the Buckeyes
To tell the truth, this looks like something deeper than just another portal pickup. It's a Cincinnati boy who has come full circle, getting together with his former high-school teammate Mathews, and imparting the defense with some essential depth. The Big Ten remains tough, and with the roster changes, every player is important. Calhoun may not be the most spectacular name, but he possesses the kind of toughness and experience that help one win tight games.
Buckeye fans, enjoy this one. It's nice when things come back around like this. Here's to Cam thriving in Columbus and helping bring another championship run. Go Bucks!
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment