Ohio State linebacker Gabe Powers announces plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Ohio State linebacker Gabe Powers plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he announced Monday evening via X, formerly Twitter. Powers spent the past three seasons with the Buckeyes and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-4 linebacker appeared in all 12 games this season to record five tackles, two passes defended and one interception. He returned that pick 29 yards for a touchdown in Week 1 against Akron.

“I want to thank all of Buckeye Nation for the support I have received through my three years here at Ohio State,” Powers wrote in his announcement. “It was been a blessing being a part of Buckeye Nation. After much prayer and talking to my family, I have decided it’s in my best interest to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility left.”

Gabe Powers committed to Ohio State in 2022 as a four-star prospect out of Marysville (OH) High School. He ranked as the No. 115 overall player and No. 9 linebacker in the cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Powers appeared in only two games as a true freshman in 2022 to preserve a redshirt season. He would go on to play in all 12 the next year to finish with seven tackles, including one for loss.

His announcement likely means that he will not finish out the postseason with the Buckeyes, who are waiting to find out their fate in the College Football Playoff. Powers can officially enter his name in the portal when it opens on Dec. 9.

The transfer portal will remain open until Dec. 28, though players on teams still playing in the postseason will get an additional five-day window to enter the portal after their seasons end.

Powers is the first Ohio State player to enter the portal since the regular season ended, but more are sure to follow in the coming weeks.