Ohio State's 2023 Recruiting Class Takes Center Stage Heading Into This Season

The combination of both signees and transfer portal additions who emerged as starters for the Buckeyes is very impressive.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Before I get too deep into the gist of the article, a quick mea culpa - I somehow overlooked two other players who signed with Ohio State in 2023 who decided to move on, so the total number of departures is 11, not 9.

Offensive lineman Miles Walker, who left Ohio State for Boise State, has since retired from college football.

Defensive back Jayden Bonsu, who left Ohio State for Pitt, has since moved to linebacker and is hopeful of seeing his first game action with the Panthers in 2026.

Heavy On Starters And Contributors

At first glance, 11 of 21 players departing would seem very bad. As former ESPN commentator Lee Corso was fond of saying on telecasts, "Not so fast, my friend.".

Player	Position	Status	Eligibility	Notes
Josh Padilla	G/C	Starter	2	Currently in battle for a starting position
Will Smith, Jr	DL	Contributor	2	Currently in battle for a starting position
Luke Montgomery	G	Starter	1	Starter; probable 2027 NFL Draft entrant
Austin Siereveld	G/T	Starter	2	Starter; probable 2027 NFL Draft entrant
Carnell Tate	WR	Starter	-	2026 1st round draft choice by Tennessee Titans
Brandon Inniss	WR	Starter	1	Starter; probable 2027 NFL Draft entrant
Jermaine Mathews, Jr	CB	Starter	1	Starter; probable 2027 NFL Draft entrant
Jason Moore	DL	Contributor	2	Currently in battle for starting position
Arvell Reese	LB	Starter	-	2026 1st round draft choice by New York Giants
Kayden McDonald	DL	Starter	-	2026 2nd round draft choice by Houston Texans

21 players signed, with 11 departing, comes out to a 52% departure rate. Not something to be proud about by any means. Contrast that with 10 players of 21 either starting or contributing, that rounds up to about 48% of production.

That includes 3 players who are now in the NFL, as well as the longshot possibility that some of those players listed above will take advantage of the recent "5 for 5" rule that could give them another year in Columbus. The most likely players to take advantage of staying in Columbus for the 2027 season would seem to be Will Smith, Jr. and Jason Moore, as neither have become starters yet for Ohio State.

The 2023 Transfer Portal Additions Were Key For The Buckeyes

Now let's factor in 5 more players who would be on the positive side of the ledger for Ohio State as starters or contributors. This only adds to an already impressive high school recruiting class from 2023.

Player	Position	Status	Previous School	Notes
Davison Igbinosun	CB	Starter	Ole Miss	2026 2nd round draft choice by the Buffalo Bills
John Ferlmann	LS	Starter	Arizona State	Undrafted free agent
Lorenzo Styles Jr.	CB/S	Starter	Notre Dame	2026 5th round draft choice by the New Orleans Saints
Josh Simmons	OT	Starter	San Diego State	2025 1st round draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs
Tywone Malone Jr	DL	Starter	Ole Miss	Undrafted free agent; signed by the Carolina Panthers in 2026

Add in those 5 players to the 10 starters, and you can see why this 2023 Ohio State recruiting class was an impressive piece of work by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, his coaching staff, and Ohio State general manager Mark Pantoni. A total of 26 players, with 15 emerging as starters and contributors, equals an impressive 58% hit rate.

The 2023 Ohio State Recruiting Class' Legacy

Mark this down as "to be determined".

With a 2026 schedule that even Ryan Day has deemed a "monster", the remaining players of the 2023 Ohio State recruiting class has an opportunity to add another positive chapter to what has already been an impactful presence in the history of Ohio State football.