Skip to main content

Buckeyes land commitment from Duquesne transfer LB Ty Howard

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook01/05/25

SpencerHolbrook

James Laurinaitis by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
(Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has added another piece to its 2025 roster as the transfer portal cycle continues.

For the second time, the Buckeyes are dipping down to the FCS ranks for a talented and intriguing defender. They added former Idaho State star defensive end Logan George a couple of weeks ago. Now they’ve also added former Duquesne star linebacker Ty Howard.

Howard announced his commitment to the program on Sunday evening.

The Cleveland native earned All-NEC honors this season for Duquesne after posting 52 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 3 interceptions. Howard will have two more seasons of eligibility for the Buckeyes.

Buckeyes defensive end Mitchell Melton entering transfer portal

Ohio State defensive end Mitchell Melton has been with the Buckeyes for five years. His sixth year will come at a new stop for one final season.

Melton, a Maryland native, will enter the NCAA transfer portal, his agency told On3’s Pete Nakos. Melton will have one year of eligibility remaining wherever he lands.

A former four-star recruit from the class of 2020, Melton has fought to be healthy during his Buckeyes career. He tore his ACL during the 2022 spring game and returned for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This year, Melton had six solo tackles and two sacks for the Buckeyes defense.

But he was never able to become a major factor other than just a part of the rotation. He played in 13 games for the Buckeyes this year, including being on the field for 20 snaps in the College Football Playoff first-round blowout win over Tennessee.

Melton played nine snaps for the Buckeyes in their win over Oregon at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday evening.

But next season, he’ll log snaps elsewhere. Melton plans to enter the transfer portal after five years at Ohio State.

Ohio State tight end Patrick Gurd enters transfer portal

Ohio State walk-on tight end/fullback Patrick Gurd has entered the transfer portal, Lettermen Row has learned.

Gurd will have a year of eligibility at his next stop.

Gurd carved out a role with the Buckeyes offense, serving as the team’s fullback at times in heavy packages while serving as an extra tight end, as well.

Ohio State added former Purdue tight end Max Klare to its tight end room last month, giving them an elite weapon at the position for next season.

But now another tight end is out the door. Patrick Gurd has entered the transfer portal.

Counting down

Ohio State vs. Texas in Cotton Bowl: 4 days
Ohio State at Michigan: 327 days

Are you a Lettermen Row member yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Buckeyes news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on XInstagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.

You may also like