Well, that was fast.
Moments after Ohio State suffered a devastating loss to Miami in the CFP quarterfinals to end the Buckeyes' season, Jelani Thurman's representation, Rosenhaus Sports, told On3Sports that the tight end will enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: Ohio State TE Jelani Thurman plans to enter the @TransferPortal, his agent tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 1, 2026
The 66 250 TE appeared in 21 games in his time with the Buckeyes
Hell have 2 years of eligibility left
Repped by @rosenhaussports https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/r0pwpbXmed
In three seasons at Ohio State, Thurman compiled 13 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns, including seven receptions for 84 yards and a score this season.
Even with the departure of the 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, the Buckeyes still have plenty of talent at tight end entering the offseason. While redshirt junior Max Klare could potentially enter the 2026 NFL draft, the room, as it currently stands, also includes redshirt junior Bennett Christian, redshirt freshman Max LeBlanc, and freshmen Brody Lennon and Nate Roberts. Incoming freshman Nick Lautar, the No. 29 tight end in the 2026 class, is also set to be a Buckeye.
Thurman is the second Buckeye to announce plans to enter the transfer portal, joining wide receiver Bryson Rodgers.
The portal officially opens on Friday.
