Ohio State Buckeyes Transfer Portal: Ranking the top four players who've joined Ryan Day's program 

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of a strong season as they finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, including a 7-2 mark in Big Ten play. They were able to earn the No. 8 seed in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes continued their strong season as they dominated the Tennessee Volunteers in the opening round, winning 42-17. They will face the No.1 Oregon Ducks next in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

With the transfer portal now open, several players have announced their intention to change programs.

Here's a closer look at the top four players who have joined Ohio State so far.

Top 4 players to join Ohio State Buckeyes via transfer portal

#1. CJ Donaldson Jr., Running Back

CJ Donaldson Jr. joined the West Virginia Mountaineers as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Initially recruited as a tight end, he made the switch to running back ahead of his true freshman season.

Donaldson has appeared in 32 games, recording 2,058 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns on 421 carries. On the ground, he added 32 receptions for 190 yards and one rushing touchdown. Donaldson announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 19 and committed to join the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 23.

#2. Max Klare, Tight End

Max Klare joined the Purdue Boilermakers as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He has appeared in 19 games, recording 73 receptions for 881 yards and four touchdowns. Klare announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 6 and committed to join the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 23.

#3. Phillip Daniels, Offensive Tackle

Phillip Daniels joined the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 12 games in 2024 after redshirting his true freshman season. Daniels announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 16 and committed to join the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 18.

#4. Logan George, Edge Rusher

Logan George joined the Utah State Aggies as a two-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He did not make any appearances as he served a two-year mission with the Church of Latter-Day Saints. George joined the Idaho State Bengals via the transfer portal ahead of the 2023 season.

He appeared in 22 games, recording 77 total tackles, 34 of which were solo tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. George announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 16 and committed to join the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 23.