Reports: Ohio State football freshman receiver plans to enter the transfer portal

Bryson Rodgers’ impressive bowl practices and promising future were mentioned by both Ohio State football offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and receiver Emeka Egbuka last week.

By Sunday night, the former four-star prospect who had just finished his first season with the program appeared to have decided to pursue his future elsewhere. Rodgers intends to enter the transfer portal, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.

Rodgers, a Florida native, took a redshirt his freshman year. He only played six snaps in two games. Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Noah Rogers had the highest participation rate among the four receivers in his class.

Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham are both five-star receiving prospects for Ohio State’s 2024 signing class.

Even if Emeka Egbuka returns for a fourth season, Rodgers was considered a possibility for a two-deep berth. Egbuka may move between the slot and an outside role, opening up snaps in the slot. He may have been in the running for a bigger role by 2025.

In interviews prior to the Cotton Bowl, Ebuka referred to Rodgers as “Mr. Conistent.” He mentioned Rodgers’ strong catch rate in practice, which he has also mentioned in the past.

“But that’s truly what Bryson is and he’s continuing to do that throughout the months and throughout the season,” he said. “He’s a dependable young man with great hands and routes.” Obviously, he has a slimmer physique. But I have no doubt that coach will get him straight in that regard.”

Despite not being expressly asked about Rodgers last week, Hartline — who is also the receivers coach — brought it up on his own.

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