Cody Croy
Writer
Baylor transfer kicker Connor Hawkins has signed with Ohio State, according to Rivals insider Hayes Fawcett. He will have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining. Hawkins took to social media after his commitment, posting “Let’s roll!!” On X. After some uncertainty regarding the kicking situation, the Buckeyes finally have their guy.
Hawkins played two seasons for the Bears and never missed an extra point. Hawkins’ leg has shown to be powerful, kicking a career-long of 54 yards. Kicker became a big need for the Buckeyes when projected starter Jackson Courville entered the transfer portal and signed with Tulane. With Jayden Fielding out of eligibility, the Buckeyes spent some time without a rostered kicker. Hawkins is now the second special teams addition in the portal, joining transfer long snapper Dalton Riggs.
Special teams have been an Achilles heel for the Buckeyes over the past couple of seasons. Fans cringe when recalling the famous New Year’s Eve missed kick by former Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles against the Georgia Bulldogs in the playoffs. Jayden Fielding leaves a bad taste in the mouth, coming off his final season with the Buckeyes due to his inconsistent play in his time with the program. Connor Hawkins gives the Buckeyes a fresh start and a chance to change the narrative when talking about the Buckeyes.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff take an unorthodox approach when it comes to special teams. Following the firing of special teams coordinator Parker Fleming in 2024, the Buckeyes named Rob Keys to the role. Keys, however, has a team of advisors who work to make the special teams better. While this committee approach has yet to yield the results expected by Buckeyes fans all around, Keys and company will look to turn it with some new talent incoming in 2026.
Cody Croy
Writer
The Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious in Sunday night’s 59th edition of the Super Bowl by a score of 29-13. Many former Buckeyes were featured in this game including Mike Vrabel, TreVeyon Henderson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Patriots offensive lineman Thayer Munford played just one snap. Smith-Njigba became the 39th former Buckeye to win a Super Bowl. […]
Cody Croy
Writer
The 15th annual NFL honors ceremony was held on Thursday night and a couple former Buckeyes brought home some hardware. Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the Offensive Player Of The Year award, given to the best offensive player in the NFL. Smith-Njigba had a sensational season, converting 119 catches, 1,793 yards, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Ryan Day added another key piece to his staff: former Illinois special teams coordinator Robby Discher, who will serve in the same role. Discher also served as the tight ends coach at Illinois. The Buckeyes have a committee of assistants and advisors that help out with special teams, but Rob Keys has held the title […]
