The Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day have been elite at recruiting high school talent and transfer portal talent to Columbus over the last few years.
Day’s ability to recruit talent has been a big part of the reason Ohio State won a national championship last season. He has also been able to build a team that could win a second straight this year.
Last season, the Buckeyes used the transfer portal to bring in players like tight end Max Klare and running back C.J. Donaldson. A couple of years back, they brought in star safety Caleb Downs and star quarterback Julian Sayin.
Read more: Florida QB DJ Lagway’s Top Transfer Portal Destinations
Once again, Ohio State is looking at making a potential splash in the transfer portal.
According to a report from Zach Abolverdi of Gator Online, as shared by The Scarlet and Gray Podcast, the Buckeyes are showing interest in Florida transfer portal running back Jadan Baugh.
Baugh would be a very intriguing addition for Ohio State. While the Buckeyes already have freshman running back Bo Jackson on the roster who has made a major impact this season, adding Baugh would give Ohio State more valuable depth.
During the 2025 college football season with the Gators, Baugh put together a strong year. He carried the football 220 times for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. In addition, he caught 33 passes for 210 yards and two more touchdowns.
As a recruit in the 2024 class, according to 247 Sports, Baugh was a three-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 19 athlete in the class and the No. 381 overall player in the nation.
Through his first two college seasons, Baugh has shown the ability to be a high-impact playmaker. Adding that kind of talent to the running game would be a great boost for the Buckeyes.
Read more: Notre Dame Transfer QB Emerging as Option for SEC Powerhouse
His presence would take more pressure off of Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and the Ohio State passing game. Baugh would also be able to form a formidable dual-threat backfield with Jackson, much like the Buckeyes had with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins last season.
While there are other teams interested in Baugh, Ohio State is one of the best programs in college football and will have a good shot at convincing him to play in Columbus with Day leading the way.
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