COLUMBUS, Ohio — The two-week window for college football players to enter the transfer portal closes on Friday, but another important deadline looms for Ohio State before then.
Players must declare for the 2026 NFL Draft by Wednesday.
While standout Buckeyes such as receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald have already announced their intentions to forgo another season at Ohio State and declare for the draft, some decisions still loom.
Here’s a look at the four Buckeyes who have yet to announce if they’re heading to the NFL or coming back to Columbus for another season at Ohio State.
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Max Klare
Max Klare started his collegiate career at Purdue where he spent three seasons and developed into an All-Big Ten tight end. He then transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2025 season.
While helping OSU reach the College Football Playoff, Klare caught 43 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns. His best outing came in a November win against Rutgers when he recorded season-highs in receptions (7) and yards (105).
Ohio State’s overhaul of the tight end room has started despite Klare not making a public announcement yet. Will Kacmarek has exhausted his eligibility, and Jelani Thurman has announced he’s transferring to North Carolina.
OSU has countered the departures by adding Mason Williams (Ohio) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern) out of the portal.
Kenyatta Jackson
Considering what Ohio State’s defensive line is losing this offseason, Kenyatta Jackson’s decision might be the most important of the bunch.
The standout defensive end, who was once a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, recorded 6.5 sacks in 2025 — his first season as a starter for the Buckeyes.
He started alongside defensive end Caden Curry and tackles Tywone Malone and McDonald. Those three are headed to the NFL, putting Ohio State in position to lose all four starting defensive linemen for the second consecutive season. If Jackson chooses to return for another season in Columbus, that won’t be the case.
Ohio State is set to return Beau Atkinson and Zion Grady at defensive end next season. It has also landed a commitment from former Alabama edge rusher Qua Russaw.
Carson Hinzman
Center Carson Hinzman did not take part in Ohio State’s senior day festivities in November, leaving the door open for a potential return in 2026 — which would be his fifth season at the collegiate level.
Hinzman was the starting center for the Buckeyes in 2023 before former Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin took over the job in 2024. However, injuries forced Hinzman back into the lineup, giving him nine starts (six at center) in Ohio State’s run to a national title.
He remained the starting center going into the 2025 season and held the role for all 14 games.
If Hinzman declares for the NFL draft, Josh Padilla would be the likely favorite to start at center next season.
Austin Siereveld
Austin Siereveld’s career at Ohio State started in 2023 when he signed as a four-star interior offensive lineman. He became somewhat of a household name in Columbus when he played both guard spots for the Buckeyes in 2024, helping the unit overcome injuries en route to a national title.
However, his true breakout season came in 2025 when he protected quarterback Julian Sayin’s blindside. Siereveld started all 14 games at left tackle, allowing only 15 pressures and no sacks.
Ohio State is set to return starting right tackle Phillip Daniels, a former Minnesota transfer, next season. If Siereveld departs, Ian Moore — who replaced an injured Siereveld in the second half of a CFP loss to Miami on Dec. 31 — would be a likely candidate to start.
Ohio State has yet to add an offensive lineman out of the transfer portal.