The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2025 season, which began with sky-high expectations and a perfect 12-0 regular record, came crashing down in dramatic fashion on New Year’s Eve. In the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, the top-seeded Buckeyes suffered a stunning 24-14 upset loss to the Miami Hurricanes.

What was supposed to be a stepping stone toward back-to-back national championships turned into a bitter end, exposing cracks that had quietly formed throughout the year.

The defeat not only ended Ohio State’s title defense but also triggered an immediate and aggressive roster overhaul, as players flooded the transfer portal in the days that followed.

The game itself was a microcosm of the frustrations that plagued the Buckeyes late in the season. Miami jumped out to a 14-0 lead by halftime, capitalizing on a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown and a punishing ground game that controlled the clock.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, the young signal-caller who had taken over as the full-time starter, struggled under pressure, throwing two interceptions while the offensive line faltered against Miami’s elite defensive front.

Despite a strong performance from star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who hauled in seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown, the Buckeyes could never fully recover from the early deficit.

They managed only 14 points on the day, a far cry from the explosive offense that had dominated much of the regular season.

Head coach Ryan Day stood at the podium afterward and shouldered the blame without hesitation. “I take responsibility for not getting everyone ready,” he said, acknowledging the slow starts that had plagued the team in its final two losses—first to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and then to Miami.

Day, who had called plays himself after offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s departure, faced intense scrutiny for the schematic decisions and the failure to adjust quickly enough.

While some fans and analysts called for his job despite his recent national title and strong overall record, others pointed to the broader challenges of the modern college football landscape: the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness deals, and the expanded playoff format that has proven unforgiving even to top seeds.

The real storm, however, erupted once the clock hit zero. Within hours of the final whistle, tight end Jelani Thurman announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, becoming the first Buckeye to make the move in the immediate aftermath.

Thurman, a talented 6-foot-6 pass-catcher who had shown flashes of potential over three seasons, cited a desire for more playing time and opportunity elsewhere. His announcement set off a chain reaction. By the time the transfer portal officially opened on January 2, 2026, the exodus had begun in earnest.

Reports quickly confirmed that as many as a dozen scholarship players had either entered the portal or expressed their intent to do so within the first few days. Backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who had served as the No.

2 behind Sayin, was among the most notable early departures; he soon committed to Louisville in the ACC, seeking a chance to compete for a starting role. Running back James Peoples, once viewed as a potential contributor in the rotation, followed suit, as did former five-star recruit C.J.

Hicks, who had transitioned to defensive end but saw limited action. Defensive backs Bryce West and Aaron Scott Jr., both young talents with high upside, also entered the portal, thinning out what had been expected to be a deep secondary in 2026.

Other losses included offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola, who had started multiple games but fell into a rotation late in the year, and wide receiver Mylan Graham, a promising young receiver looking for immediate snaps.

Even specialists felt the ripple effects: kicker Jackson Courville and punter Nick McLarty announced their intentions to move on.

The departures were not limited to bench players; many were former high-rated recruits who had waited for their turn in Columbus only to see the path blocked by depth, scheme, or circumstance.

In the NIL era, where immediate playing time and compensation often outweigh loyalty to a blue-blood program, the Buckeyes were reminded harshly that roster stability is no longer guaranteed.

Insiders described a tense atmosphere in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center as the losses mounted. While no public evidence emerged of an explicit “ultimatum” from athletic director Ross Bjork or major boosters, the rapid turnover suggested significant internal pressure.

Day and his staff had repeatedly emphasized building through the portal rather than fearing it, but the sheer volume of outgoing players—far exceeding the typical offseason movement—indicated dissatisfaction from within the locker room.

Some players reportedly felt the program’s high expectations had not translated into enough individual opportunity, especially after a season that ended short of the ultimate goal.

Despite the chaos, Ohio State was not passive. The coaching staff moved quickly to stem the bleeding and begin rebuilding.

They hosted several high-profile transfer targets, including defensive linemen and linebackers from other Power conferences, and secured their first incoming addition early in the cycle: tight end Mason Williams from Ohio University, a proven blocker and receiver who could immediately contribute.

Recruiting continued unabated, with the 2026 class already boasting strong commitments, but the portal activity underscored the new reality: programs like Ohio State must now recruit twice—once in high school and again every offseason.

As January 2026 unfolded, the Buckeyes found themselves at a crossroads. The loss to Miami lingered like a shadow, a reminder that even elite talent and resources are no guarantee of success in the current college football environment.

Ryan Day, a coach who has delivered championships and consistent excellence, now faces the task of rallying a reshaped roster while quieting the growing chorus of doubters. The transfer portal window remains open until mid-January, and more movement is expected on both sides.

Whether this purge becomes a necessary reset or the start of a deeper unraveling will define Ohio State’s trajectory for years to come.

In Columbus, the disappointment is palpable, but so is the resolve. The Buckeyes have always prided themselves on rising from adversity, and the 2026 season will test that legacy like never before.

With Sayin returning under center, a talented core still intact, and the portal offering fresh reinforcements, there is reason for cautious optimism.

Yet the events of early January served as a stark warning: in modern college football, no lead is safe, no roster is permanent, and no season ends without consequences.