Sports

5-Star Ohio State Football Player Refutes Bag Chasing Claims After Cryptic Transfer Announcement

#Ohio State Buckeyes
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Aaron Scott Jr. / Ohio State Buckeyes

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


Ohio State defensive back Aaron Scott Jr. has entered the transfer portal in the January window. He plans to leave Columbus in search of a new home.

Some Buckeyes fans that are salty over the move accused the sophomore of bag chasing. Scott refuted those claims with a definitive statement on social media.

Scott posted a heartfelt message on his time with the program after announcing his intention to transfer. An Ohio native, he showed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his state school.

Despite that note, he received immediate backlash from a small group of former supporters.

Who is Aaron Scott Jr.?

Scott was previously a five-star recruit in the class of 2024 and the top prospect in the Buckeye State. He signed with the program in December of ’23 after having also taken visits to Oregon and Michigan.

The defender hails from Springfield, less than an hour outside of the Ohio State campus. He was a part of the 2024 national championship winning team.

He spent two years with the Buckeyes in a reserve role. Across 19 games, he totaled 11 tackles and a pair of pass breakups. Now, he searches for greener pastures.

His reasoning isn’t entirely clear. He created a bit of confusion in his somewhat cryptic farewell note.

While I wish circumstances had allowed things to work out differently, I am blessed and grateful for everything always!

Scott says that certain circumstances dictated his decision. Some read into that as referencing playing time. Others believed it was money motivated.

The Ohio State football transfer refuted bag chasing claims.

Aaron Scott Jr. responded to one particular Buckeyes fan that accused him of making NIL demands.

“I don’t respect kids who strong-arm my university for more money when they haven’t done anything to prove themselves,” a now-deleted social media message read. Scott refuted that allegation.

The defensive back says money played no part in his transfer decision. That would lead us to believe that playing time is the culprit.

While cornerback Davison Igbinosun is set to leave, starter Jermaine Mathews could spurn the NFL Draft to return in 2026 for his senior season.

Five-star freshman Devin Sanchez leapt Scott on the depth chart this past season. Opportunities could be limited.

Whatever the case, Scott does not believe Ohio State is the best place to continue his football career. He will leave Columbus. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining at his next stop.