COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football has found its next kicker: Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins, who committed to the Buckeyes on Wednesday. Hawkins spent two seasons with the Bears, connecting on 78.3% of his field goal attempts. He missed his lone attempt in 2024 before hitting 18-22 field goals last season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis will be inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. He will become the 29th Buckeye to be enshrined. Laurinaitis spent four seasons with the Buckeyes (2005-08), putting together one of the most decorated careers ever at the position.

Ohio State does it again in the transfer portal, landing commitments from two SEC defenders in what appears to be a package deal. Former Alabama Crimson Tide starters James Smith and Qua Russaw have both committed to the Buckeyes. Each entered college as a five-star recruit and both rank among the top players available in the portal this cycle.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/ohiostate as The three biggest areas of need for Ohio State Buckeyes football in 2026.

Ohio State AD Ross Bjork discusses NIL, revenue sharing, transfers and why college athletics faces growing uncertainty as money becomes harder to regulate.

Moore is a 6’0, 200-pound safety who has compiled 116 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks over the course of his college career. The All-ACC selection will arrive in Columbus with one year of eligibility remaining.

James Smith and Qua Russaw will be college teammates once more after transferring from Alabama last week. Per On3's Hayes Fawcett on Monday evening, Smith and Russaw have committed to continue their careers at Ohio State.

Anticipation builds in the 305 for Miami (FL) football hosting one last home game. Only this time for the national title against Indiana on Monday. The Hoosiers bring a sea of red from Bloomington and the heartland. IU is rising as the new college football heavyweight — with routs of Oregon and Alabama plus toppling Ohio State as proof.

Ohio State offensive lineman Austin Siereveld announced his return to school for another year. "Not done yet," he wrote in a post on Instagram on Jan. 14. Siereveld made six starts at left guard in 2024 before moving out to start at left tackle as a redshirt sophomore this past season.