Ja'Had Carter will make his return to the ACC this fall.
After entering the transfer portal on April 28, the former Syracuse turned Ohio State safety committed to NC State on Monday, officially ending a one-year tenure in Columbus.
Committed #1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/vd8xQqKy2l
— JaHad Carter (@JayAlmighty6) May 13, 2024
Carter was a three-year starter at Syracuse, racking up 136 tackles and five interceptions during his career with the Orange before entering the transfer portal following the 2023 season.
Carter came to the Buckeyes with expectations of landing another starting gig, but with Josh Proctor emerging as the team's free safety, Jordan Hancock and Sonny Styles attacking the nickel spot in tandem and some injury issues, Carter played just 122 defensive snaps in 2024. He picked up five tackles in eight appearances.
With Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom and Hancock likely filling out the Buckeyes' safety and nickel starting spots in 2024, there wasn't a clear role for Carter in this year's Ohio State defense.
The Richmond, Virginia, product will arrive in Raleigh with one year of eligibility remaining thanks to a COVID-19 waiver and will aim to boost himself into a potential 2025 NFL draft selection.
He becomes the second former Buckeye to transfer to NC State this offseason, joining redshirt freshman wide receiver Noah Rogers.
