COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State has lost its second player to the transfer portal and first on offense in former highly-rated wide receiver Jayden Ballard.
The Ohio native was once the No. 99 player and No. 15 wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting as one of Brian Hartline’s early recruiting successes as an assistant coach. But four years in, he’s the only wide receiver from that class who didn’t pan out on the field.
His fellow classmates are Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. The former is the greatest wide receiver in program history and is currently a member of the Arizona Cardinals. The latter is a former five-star who’s been among the nation’s best receivers for three years and steadily climbing his way up the school record books.
Ballard’s time in Columbus has been summed up by the word potential. His all-world speed has always made him an intriguing prospect who provided something that potentially no one else in the room has during his time in Columbus. But he hasn’t been able to turn that into a role long-term.
