The transfer portal season is never-ending but is always a roller coaster ride, and again, Ohio State has made a smart move by bringing in a new player for their special teams. On the 4th of January, 2026, long snapper Dalton Riggs declared that he would be a Buckeye after previously being in the transfer portal of UCF. If you are like me, you might not consider long snappers as part of the game, but they are indeed the silent protectors of the game who ensure that no mishaps occur while executing the field goals and Punts. Let’s see how this situation shakes out for Ohio State as they venture into the 2026 season.
Riggs' Journey: From BYU to UCF and Now Columbus
Dalton Riggs is not a stranger to the college scene—a real expert who has been perfecting his skill in different programs. Initially, he was at BYU, and there he was in charge of long-snapping in 2024, then he moved to UCF for the 2025 season. While at UCF, Riggs was a dependable starter, participating in all 12 games and also taking on the role of a team captain and a leader. His background is bright; he has the accuracy and reliability that the special teams trainers would wish for. Before some fans roll their eyes at a long snapper pickup, remember: these guys are crucial, especially when you're replacing someone solid.
The Commitment: A Quick Portal Flip to Fill a Gap
Riggs' entry into the transfer portal was pretty under the radar—he didn't make a big splash when he left UCF. But Ohio State moved fast. Just hours after former Ohio tight end Mason Williams committed as the Buckeyes' first transfer addition of 2026, Riggs followed suit on January 4. His announcement came via social media, and it was confirmed by outlets like Eleven Warriors and The Columbus Dispatch. Why Ohio State? Well, the Buckeyes needed a replacement for John Ferlmann, their starting long snapper since 2023, who's now out of eligibility. Riggs fits the bill perfectly as a senior with redshirt eligibility, bringing immediate stability.
Fans on Reddit and X were buzzing about it, with some noting his BYU connections and others just glad to see Ohio State addressing depth. One commenter even mentioned taking a class with him at BYU—small world, right?
Impact on the Buckeyes: Bolstering Special Teams for 2026
Check it out, Ohio State has been affected by a lot of player exits through the transferring portal recently, the names of Tegra Tshabola and Mylan Graham are among those leaving and some fans are already vocal about their concerns regarding depth issues in the team. Nonetheless, recruiting Riggs is a wise, not so obvious action that fills a certain gap. It’s widely accepted that special teams can either win or lose closely contested matches, and having a reliable long-snapper translates to less missed kicks and greater assurance for the unit.
Ryan Day and the coaching staff are clearly focused on rebuilding with targeted additions rather than splashy names. Riggs might not be a household name, but he's exactly the kind of experienced player who can contribute right away. As one Facebook post put it, "Before some of y'all start... we know there are multiple positions of need, but this is a solid get." With the portal still churning, expect more moves, but this one feels like a quiet win for the Scarlet and Gray.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Ohio State's Season
We're now entering 2026, and Ohio State is getting ready for another shot at the Big Ten Championship and perhaps even the playoffs. The hire of Riggs is not going to take the spotlight like the transfer of a star quarterback would, but it's the subtlety in recruiting that winning teams do. Watch how he blends during the spring practice— he might be the deciding factor in an intense rivalry game.
What do you think, Buckeyes faithful? Is this the start of a portal turnaround, or just a small step? Drop your takes below—football season might be over, but the off-season drama is just heating up!
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