The top recruit in Ohio State's 2022 class will finish his college football career elsewhere.
C.J. Hicks told On3's Hayes Fawcett on Thursday that he will enter the transfer portal after four years with the Buckeyes.
BREAKING: Ohio State EDGE/LB CJ Hicks plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3SportsThe 63 245 EDGE/LB will have 1 year of eligibility leftHe was ranked as a Five-Star Recruit in the 2022 Class (per On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/hASWl8Awo4
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 1, 2026
Despite being the No. 1 linebacker and No. 7 overall prospect in the 2022 class, Hicks' career never took off in Columbus, as he recorded 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and one pass breakup in 44 appearances for the Buckeyes.
A linebacker for his first three seasons, Hicks transitioned to defensive end in the offseason, hoping to maximize his athleticism and 6-foot-3, 243-pound frame to rush the quarterback off the edge. But the Dayton native found himself behind Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Beau Atkinson on the depth chart at the start of the fall. After appearing in four games this fall, Hicks chose to sit for the remainder of the season so he could preserve his final year of eligibility.
HIcks told Eleven Warriors before the Cotton Bowl that he learned from his experience this season, developing on the field in practice and off the field as a person.
"The biggest thing is there's always gonna be ups and downs in life, but the hardest thing to do is just give up on yourself. Don't ever give up on yourself," Hicks said. "I'm basically saying, telling the young guys, you're here for a reason. Be where your feet are. Don't focus on the past; focus on the present and focus on what you control."
