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Defensive back Ryan Watts pens farewell letter to Ohio State

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•12/10/21•

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Ohio State defensive back Ryan Watts runs off the field against the Purdue Boilermakers. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Ohio State cornerback Ryan Watts entered the transfer portal on Friday according to Matt Zenitz of On3. He played in six career games during his time in Colombus, totaling 11 tackles and an interception.

Watts took to Twitter, penning farewell to the Buckeyes and their program. He thanked all of his coaches, saying he will remember his time with Ohio State “forever.”

“It has been an honor to compete wearing the SCARLET & GREY, playing the game that I love so much,” Watts said. “Ohio taught me the definition of ‘Ohio grind.’ It is here that I was pushed to new heights personally, athletically, and professionally. I owe so much of that to Coach Day, all of the Ohio State University coaches and staff, and the world-class athletic program. To my teammates — I can’t thank you enough for the time we spent training, fighting, and winning. I will carry these memories and this brotherhood with me forever.

“I appreciate you all and I will carry these relationships with me forever. I have been able to accomplish so much with your love and support and will forever be grateful for my time here.”

Watts enter the transfer portal

Watts was a four-star recruit out of high school and was the No. 17-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

At the beginning of his letter to Ohio State, he mentions how the campus was a long way from home, possibly hinting at a return closer to the state of Texas.

Watts held offers from Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech from within the Lone Star State, while Oklahoma and Oklahoma State reached out as well.

“At this time, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal as I explore options to find my next academic and football school,” Watts said.

Watts’ decision to transfer comes after Ohio State hired a new defensive coordinator to replace Kerry Coombs. The Buckeyes brought in Oklahoma State’s Jim Knowles this week to lead the defense.

Ohio State is gearing up for the Rose Bowl against Utah on New Year’s Day.