Ryan Day opens up about Ohio State’s transfer portal strategy

During the 2022 transfer portal cycle, Ohio State added two players — both of whom became key contributors. The Buckeyes were more aggressive during the 2023 cycle, though, and Ryan Day explained why.

Ohio State added nine players from the portal this offseason, including former Ole Miss cornerback Davison Igbinosun. He was the No. 23 overall transfer to enter the portal, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, and could play a key role in upgrading the secondary.

It’s all part of a shift in strategy for the Buckeyes, Day told On3’s J.D. PicKell, as they try to stay up-to-date amid the ever-changing landscape.

“Like everybody else across the country, we have folks here that have the job [and] responsibility to study the portal, identify the portal, evaluate the portal,” Day said on The Hard Count. “But it isn’t just about the talent. It’s about the right fit. Rarely are we going to try to add somebody just to add somebody in the portal. This is a program that you don’t just walk into. Our offseason is really the backbone of our program. What Mickey Marotti does and his staff in the weight room in the winter and now, in the summer. We take it very, very serious.

“Now, that being said, you have to adapt with the times and you have to upgrade your roster. When there are holes based on guys who have left or whatever that reason is, you have to fill those holes. That’s what we’re going to do. When there’s a hole, we’ll use the portal when appropriate.”

Both players the Buckeyes added in 2022 — Tanner McCalister and Chip Trayanum — fit in well. McCalister played a key role on defense as he re-joined his former defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, from Oklahoma State. He totaled three interceptions in addition to 24 tackles before signing with the Cleveland Browns following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Trayanum, who started his career on defense before moving over to the running back room, didn’t play much until the game against Michigan. Ohio State went without TreVeyon Henderson in that game, and Trayanum totaled 83 yards on the ground while adding a reception for 14 yards. He’s back for another year and will continue to add depth at running back for the Buckeyes.

Now, Ohio State is gearing up to add nine new players to a team that returns 67% of its production, according to ESPN.