World reacts as Ohio State loses player before College Football Playoff

As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for a potential College Football Playoff run, they are also preparing to move forward without one of their players.

On Thursday, representatives for Ohio State wide receiver Bryson Rodgers told 247Sports that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal and depart the program.

Rodgers, a four-star recruit, signed with the Buckeyes out of high school and has spent the last two seasons in Columbus. Although he never cracked the first team or earned a starting role, he still played a meaningful role in the offense.

Despite missing three games this season due to injury, Rodgers logged the fifth-most snaps among Ohio State wide receivers. Only starters Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss, along with redshirt freshman Mylan Graham, saw more time on the field.

He wrapped up the season with six catches for 79 yards and one career touchdown — an 11-yard reception in the first half against UCLA while filling in for an injured Tate.

Rodgers will have two more seasons of eligibility with his next team.

While Rodgers’ next destination has not been confirmed, Ohio State wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline has been named the next head coach at South Florida. Given Rodgers’ Florida roots, that program could make sense as a landing spot.

Needless to say, Rodgers’ departure sparked a lot of reactions on social media.

“No one surprised by this. Hartline departure dismantled the WR program,” one fan wrote in a post on X.

“Good for him. He was buried on the depth chart,” someone else added.

“What is happening in Columbus???? Leaving the program before the playoffs even start? Culture problems,” another fan wrote.

“He wants to be with Brian Hartline in South Florida, which is where Bryson is from. Can’t blame him for that,” another fan speculated.

It also remains unclear whether Rodgers will stay with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff. Typically, players who enter the transfer portal step away from the team immediately.

If Rodgers does not remain with the program during the postseason, Ohio State will need other players to rise up and provide depth behind the starters.