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

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

Ajae Petty: From Bluegrass to Buckeye

COLUMBUS, OH — So, big news in college basketball: Ajae Petty, that former standout from the Kentucky Wildcats, has done a total switcheroo. Yep, she's ditched the bluegrass vibes for the scarlet and grey of Ohio State Buckeye Nation.

Last year, Ajay Petty was an absolute force at Kentucky. She averaged 14.2 points per game, which made her the Wildcats’ leading scorer. But that’s not all, she also dominated the boards, pulling down an impressive 10.6 rebounds a game. Oh, and she was swatting shots left and right with almost a block per game! Petty’s journey from LSU to Kentucky was quite the adventure, and now she's bringing her A-game to Ohio State.

The Transfer Portal Shuffle

Petty's decision to make the leap from Lexington to Columbus wasn't a snap call. She's been doing the transfer portal tango, and it seems the Buckeyes have swept her off her feet. The 6-foot-4 force of nature brings a whole lot to the table: scoring prowess, tenacity on the boards, and a work ethic that could power a small city.

Kentucky Days: Petty's Wildcat Journey

Let’s back up a little bit. Petty’s journey began at LSU, where she honed her skills over two seasons. Then she found herself in the heart of the Bluegrass State like a wanderer in a basketball club. At Kentucky, she blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. Last season, she averaged a cool 14.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Those are not just statistics; Those are the kinds of stats that make coaches drool in their sports books.

Why Ohio State?

So, why the Buckeyes? Well, it's not just about the legendary Schottenstein center or the sweet scent of buckeye trees in the air. Petty saw an opportunity to make an impact. Ohio State's glass game needed a boost, and she's here to deliver. Her 10.6 rebounds per game last season? Yeah, that's like a life raft for a team that struggled on the boards. Petty's projected to slide right into the starting center spot, flanked by Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry. Together, they're about to give opposing teams a crash course in rebounding 101.

The Transfer Domino Effect

Petty isn't the only transfer making waves in Columbus. Chance Gray, formerly of Oregon, hopped on the Buckeye bandwagon too. Gray's got handles, and she's likely to be one of the starting guards next season. Add in Madison Greene and the incoming freshman Jaloni Cambridge, and you've got a lineup that's got opponents shaking in their sneakers.

What's Next?

With Petty's commitment, Ohio State's roster is shaping up nicely. But there's still room for one more scholarship. Will Eboni Walker get the nod for another year of eligibility? Buckeye fans are holding their breath. Either way, Petty's arrival is a game-changer. She's bringing her Kentucky grit, her LSU seasoning, and a hunger for victory. Watch out, Big Ten—Ajae Petty's in town, and she's ready to make some noise.