Ohio State football losing third defensive back to transfer portal

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s secondary was depleted of three depth pieces before the transfer portal officially opened.

Second-year cornerback Jyaire Brown told On3 he plans to enter the portal after it opens Monday. He joined classmate and fellow cornerback Ryan Turner, who also made that announcement Sunday, and safety Cameron Martinez.

Brown impressed as true freshman, beginning with being forced into starting against Wisconsin in only his second game. He played eight games that season and appeared poised to become a mainstay in the defense.

However, he barely played this past season as the dynamic at the top of the depth chart changed considerably. Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, two players whose injuries opened the door for Brown’s playing time in 2022, were healthy throughout most of the season. Ohio State also brought in Ole Miss transfer Davison Igbinosun, who started immediately.

Burke and Hancock could both pursue NFL opportunities, which means OSU needs to replenish the two-deep. Freshmen Jermaine Mathews and Calvin Simpson-Hunt will now need strong second years more than ever with the departures of Turner and Brown.

That attrition also calls into question the Buckeyes’ depth in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, especially if Burke and/or Hancock decide to opt out.