Another 2025 freshman has entered the transfer portal after just one season at Ohio State.
Defensive tackle Maxwell Roy is the latest portal entrant for the Buckeyes, the 21st total and fourth prospect from the recruiting class of 2025.
Ohio State true freshman DT Maxwell Roy (@MaxwellRoy8) plans to enter the transfer portal, his rep @J_FrioEsq tells @CBSSports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 7, 2026
The 6-foot-3, 301-pound Roy was a 4-star recruit in the 2025 class and was an All-American wrestler in HS. https://t.co/k28I1p3pG6 pic.twitter.com/8YYel8kvwY
Roy was a four-star prospect ranked No. 357 overall and No. 36 among defensive linemen in the 247Sports composite for the class of 2025. He didn't play a single defensive snap for Ohio State in 2025 and redshirted the season. He'll arrive at his next collegiate destination with four years of eligibility remaining.
The Buckeyes still retain the defensive tackle who showed the most potential for the team as a freshman in 2025, Jarquez Carter. Four-star prospect Trajen Odom is also expected back from Roy's recruiting class at defensive tackle for 2026. Ohio State signed a three-man defensive tackle class in 2026: Four-stars Jamir Perez, Emanuel Ruffin and Damari Simeon.
As for projected starters in 2026, Ohio State returns junior Eddrick Houston, who rolled with Tywone Malone Jr. at 3-technique defensive tackle in 2025. With nose guard Kayden McDonald expected to leave for the NFL draft as a projected first-round pick, his backup, Will Smith Jr., will likely compete with four-star transfer portal acquisition and redshirt junior John Walker (UCF) to replace McDonald. Redshirt junior Jason Moore could also be a factor at DT should he stick with the Buckeyes.
Roy joins wide receiver Quincy Porter and offensive linemen Isaiah Kema and Jayvon McFadden as members of last year’s freshman class who have now entered the transfer portal after just one season as Buckeyes.
