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The Ohio State football team is experiencing a notable exodus of transfer players in the 2026 offseason. At the time of this writing, 29 members have entered the portal in search of new homes.
One transfer’s mom cryptically hinted at conflict inside the program. It has the Buckeyes on edge as they look to fill the voids.
Ohio State won a national championship in 2024. It was able to keep most of its star power in 2025, leading to another College Football Playoff appearance.
The most recent season ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to Miami. Since, much of the roster has decided to move on.
Jarquez Carter’s mom hinted at internal issues.
This was Jarquez Carter mom too…. pic.twitter.com/v2QFi5hECD
— dd3x (@614_dd3x) January 10, 2026
Carter, a former 4-star recruit from the state of Florida, hit the portal in January. There were immediate rumors of bag chasing.
The defensive lineman just wrapped up his freshman season in Columbus. He appeared in six games, registering one tackle in a win over Grambling State.
His initial recruitment came down to five schools. He also took visits to Florida, UCF, Miami, and Penn State. He ultimately signed with the Buckeyes, but his stay will be short-lived.
Carter made his transfer intentions known in the January portal window. He has not yet chosen his next destination.
The tackle was buried on the depth chart in 2025. The opportunity for more playing time in 2026 was on the table with a return to Columbus. He opted to leave anyway.
Was the decision money motivated? His mom says no.
“It’s never been about money,” Tarnisha Carter wrote in a social media reply to online rumors. “If it was, Ohio State wouldn’t have been his first choice.”
Carter had more lucrative offers. He signed with the Buckeyes anyway. His mom insists money is not a factor in his transfer.
Instead, she cryptically hinted at internal conflict.
What is happening at Ohio State?
“(His transfer decision) is bigger than what you’re assuming,” she continued in the Instagram conversation. “The truth will come out!”
That response was concerning with the program reeling off a string of transfer exits. Making the issue messier, a number of other former teammates seemed to confirm the suspicions.
Interesting… pic.twitter.com/JzxFGdcbPv
— Buckeye Realm (@BuckeyeRealm_) January 10, 2026
Portal players liked a comment that read, “Something has to be going on inside the facilities that we don’t know about.”
There are some that believe administration has handcuffed Ryan Day in terms of football spending. Ohio State podcaster Chad Stryker opened up on what he’s been hearing in a recent post.
What I have been hearing today is (Ryan) Day told (AD Ross) Bjork they needed 45 mil to keep everything together. The budget I was told was 35 mil. We are currently at 38. Sounds like some tough decisions had to be made. It’s of course “rumor” but the numbers seem to be on point.
It’s being reported that the Buckeyes needed around $45 million to keep the roster intact. The budget came in significantly lower, leading players to test the market.
The supposed money situation could be impacted the ability to add new talent, too. Penn State transfer, and Ohio native, Chaz Coleman showed interest in returning home for his sophomore season. He chose Tennessee, instead.
Reports claimed that he was offered a “hometown discount” by the Buckeyes below what others were willing to pay. He spurned Ohio State to secure a better deal.
Rumors have provided uncertainty on Ohio State’s football future. Jarquez Carter’s mom fueled the fire with her cryptic message.
Twenty-nine Buckeyes will leave the program. Ryan Day clearly has tough decisions to make amid the speculation.