Ohio State's Transfer Portal: A Safety Concern?
One of Ohio State's top safeties is leaving, and it's causing a stir. Malik Hartford, a four-star recruit and the No. 161 overall prospect in the 2023 class, has entered the transfer portal, marking the 25th scholarship Buckeye to do so since January 2nd.
But why the sudden departure? Well, it's not just about the numbers. Hartford had a promising start, starting in two games as a freshman in 2023 and recording 10 tackles and two pass breakups across nine appearances. He was even poised to be Ohio State's starting free safety in 2024, until Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama, becoming a two-time All-American for the Buckeyes.
Hartford's journey took an interesting turn in 2025. He joined C.J. Hicks as a contributor, appearing in four games before deciding to redshirt the rest of the regular season. After his decision, Hartford underwent shoulder surgery, revealing that there were "some things that I needed cleaned up" to Eleven Warriors before the Cotton Bowl.
This isn't the first time a defensive back has left Ohio State. Hartford joins cornerbacks Bryce West and Aaron Scott Jr., and safety Keenan Nelson Jr., in the transfer portal. West signed with Luke Fickell and Wisconsin, while Scott is still exploring his options, with the Badgers being one of them.
So, what does this mean for Ohio State in 2026? Well, the Buckeyes are expected to have five safeties return: junior Jaylen McClain, redshirt sophomore Leroy Roker, sophomore Faheem Delane, redshirt freshmen Deshawn Stewart, and Cody Haddad. They're also adding four incoming freshmen at the position: four-star prospects Blaine Bradford, Simeon Caldwell, and Khmari Bing, as well as three-star Kaden Gebhardt.
But here's where it gets interesting. With Hartford in the portal, Ohio State's safety depth chart is in flux. Will they be able to fill the gap and maintain their dominance? Only time will tell. As we await the next chapter in this story, one thing is clear: the transfer portal is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges for college football programs.
