Promising Ohio State football freshman receiver reportedly plans to enter transfer portal

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Last week, both Ohio State football offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and receiver Emeka Egbuka spoke of Bryson Rodgers’ strong bowl practices and promising future.

By Sunday night, the former four-star prospect who recently completed his first season with the program apparently decided to explore that future elsewhere. On3′s Hayes Fawcett reported Rodgers plans to enter the transfer portal.

Rodgers, a Florida native, used a redshirt during his true freshman season. He played only six snaps in two games. That was the lowest participation among the four receivers in his class, behind Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Noah Rogers.

Ohio State is also bringing in two five-star receiver prospects in the 2024 signing class with Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham.

However, Rodgers was considered a contender for a two-deep spot even if Emeka Egbuka returns for a fourth season. Egbuka could move around between the slot and an outside spot, which would open up snaps in the slot. Certainly by 2025 he could have been in the mix for a bigger role.

In interviews in advance of the Cotton Bowl, Ebuka referred to Rodgers as “Mr. Conistent.” He referenced a very high catch percentage Rodgers posted in practice, which he has brought up in the past as well.

“But that’s truly what Bryson is and he’s continuing to do that throughout the months and throughout the season,” Egbuka said. “He’s a reliable young guy with great hands, great routes. Obviously he’s a little slimmer type frame. But I have no question that coach is going to get him right in that sense.”

Hartline — who is also the receivers coach — brought Rodgers’ progress up on his own despite not being specifically asked about him last week.

“Bryson has done a really good job, continuing to grow,” Hartline said. “Those two guys provide a bright future for the wideout room.”

If Rodgers follows through with his intent to transfer, Ohio State appears poised to lose a 17th player in this cycle. Players have until Tuesday to enter the transfer portal for the winter window.