Ohio State football is set to lose tight end Jelani Thurman, who intends to enter the transfer portal when the two-week window opens on Friday. This news emerged shortly after the Buckeyes” defeat to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Following Ohio State”s elimination from the playoff with a 24-14 loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl, reports from On3 confirmed Thurman”s decision. The four-star prospect from Georgia joined the Buckeyes in 2023, where he recorded 13 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns during his tenure.
Throughout the 2025 season, Ohio State significantly utilized its tight ends, often deploying heavy personnel packages. Four tight ends—Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian, and Nate Roberts—each logged over 160 snaps, while Thurman participated in only 135 snaps.
As Ohio State”s season concludes, Kacmarek has exhausted his eligibility. If Thurman were to return next season, he would likely find himself lower on the depth chart, given Klare”s potential return if he opts out of the NFL draft, Christian advancing into his fourth season, and Roberts entering his second.
