2026 tOSU Special Teams Discussion

[ScriptOhio]

https://atozsports.com/college-football/ohio-state-buckeyes-news/ohio-state-star-garrett-wilson-ryan-day-important-transfer-portal-advice-kicker/

Former Ohio State star sends Ryan Day some important transfer portal advice after Cotton Bowl loss to Miami​

The former Buckeyes star wants a major change made in how the team attacks the transfer portal this year.

Fresh off a frustrating Cotton Bowl loss to the Miami Hurricanes, the Ohio State Buckeyes staff has plenty to do this offseason. It was an impressive campaign for much of the regular season for them, but the ultimate goal was not achieved. They fell short, and clear holes on the roster made a massive difference in the end for OSU.

The transfer portal will play a key role in creating another dominant roster for the Buckeyes in 2026, but an underrated need is already getting pointed out as one that must be addressed in an impactful way by Ohio State’s staff and NIL plan.

Fresh off a frustrating Cotton Bowl loss to the Miami Hurricanes, the Ohio State Buckeyes staff has plenty to do this offseason. It was an impressive campaign for much of the regular season for them, but the ultimate goal was not achieved. They fell short, and clear holes on the roster made a massive difference in the end for OSU.

The transfer portal will play a key role in creating another dominant roster for the Buckeyes in 2026, but an underrated need is already getting pointed out as one that must be addressed in an impactful way by Ohio State’s staff and NIL plan.

Garrett Wilson pushes Ohio State to find top kicker after loss to Miami​

Former Buckeyes wide receiver and first-round pick of the New York Jets Garrett Wilson was understandably concerned with the inconsistency on special teams this season for Ohio State. He made that clear on social media, placing some pressure on head coach Ryan Day to go “big fish hunting” at kicker.



Just sayin': So far here are the kickers in the transfer portal....

https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/transferportalpositionranking/?positionkey=27

Does anybody actually stand out as a "top kicker"?

 

[muffler dragon]

I suggest we consider special to be in quotation marks when it comes to this segment of the Buckeyes.
At least, until it's actually invested in.
"Special" Teams

 

[iBucki]

Rant incoming -

For someone who is so vocal about "leave no doubt", Day has left and continues to leave plenty of doubt in this phase of the game. It is unbelievable that a Top 5 program like ours cannot field competent special teams every year. Not great, just competent. Feels like stubbornness and malpractice to continue to ignore 1/3rd of the game of football.

There will always be more than one game every season in this current format where talent matchups and execution errors will leave us in a tough battle for points and field position. We handicap ourselves in each of those matchups before we even kickoff because of our current approach to special teams.

Hire a competent ST coach and analysts. We have a massive fanbase - just crowdfund an NIL to help pay for a top kicker, punter and long snapper for crying out loud. "Hey dedicated Buckeye fan/alum, we know how much you bleed scarlet and gray! Now you can help the team win another championship for just $5 per month! Would you be generous enough to trade one latte a month for one clutch field goal in a close game?"

/end rant.