After four seasons with Ohio State, defensive end C.J. Hicks has transferred to South Florida, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Hicks entered the transfer portal on Friday and will now head to Tampa, Fla. to reunite with Brian Hartline, who spent the last seven seasons as Ohio State’s wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator before accepting a position as South Florida’s next head coach Dec. 3.
In his four seasons at Ohio State, Hicks recorded 42 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass defensed. The 6-3, 243-pound edge rusher racked up six tackles and a tackle for loss in four games this year before redshirting to preserve a final year of eligibility.
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Hicks committed to Ohio State as the No. 10 overall player and the second-ranked linebacker in the class of 2022. He was the Buckeyes’ highest-rated recruit in that class.
Hicks is the second Buckeye to find a new home in the transfer portal, joining quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who committed to Louisville Saturday night.
