Top 5 Ohio State players who entered transfer portal ahead of Rose Bowl showdown ft. Air Noland

The transfer portal comes calling for even the top college football teams. As Ohio State prepares for the Rose Bowl, they've already faced that reality. The Buckeyes are getting ready for Oregon, but they are also losing some significant contributors. Here are the top 5 Buckeyes who have already headed into the transfer portal ahead of the Rose Bowl.

Top 5 Ohio State players in portal ahead of Rose Bowl

Ohio State QB Devin Brown has entered the portal but is staying with the team through the CFP. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

5. Zen Michalski, OT

A four-star prospect out of Indiana, Michalski has been in Columbus for four seasons. He has seen some time, even starting a game this season before an injury sidelined him. Michalski redshirted in 2021 after playing only a handful of snaps. He has only one season of remaining eligibility and hasn't picked his portal destination yet.

4. Gabe Powers, LB

A four-star in-state recruit, Powers has shown flashes in three seasons in Columbus but has never really developed into the star many hoped for. In three seasons, Powers has played in 24 games, making 12 tackles. That includes a tackle for loss and a pick-six interception. With two years of eligibility left, Powers is transferring to Kansas State to continue his college career.

3. Jayden Ballard, WR

Another four-star Ohio product, Ballard, has simply been caught in a numbers game at receiver for his Ohio State career. He's 6-foot-2 and noted for his speed, but he has just struggled to get on the field. Ballard's four seasons have netted 11 receptions for 63 total yards. He also returned a pair of kickoffs in 2024. Ballard has one season left and is headed to Wisconsin to finish his career.

2. Devin Brown, QB

A four-star prospect from Utah, Brown is remaining with the team through the postseason as he mulls his transfer options. In three seasons as a backup, Brown has played well when called upon. He has gone 27 for 48 for 331 yards and three touchdowns as a Buckeye. He also rushed for 37 yards and another score. Brown's destination is unknown, but he may well head back west.

1.Air Noland, QB

Noland has a lengthy future ahead. He's a four-star prospect from Georgia who enrolled early at Ohio State. He didn't see any snaps, so he retains his full four seasons of eligibility moving ahead. Noland didn't take long to pick his next landing spot, heading to South Carolina, where he'll look to see SEC action in 2025. Impressive prep resume aside, a QB named Air has to fare well someplace.

What do you think of Ohio State's portal losses so far? Share your take below in our comments section!