Former Ohio State Safety Malik Hartford Reportedly Enters Transfer Portal

After three seasons at Ohio State, Former Buckeyes safety Malik Hartford has reportedly entered the transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos and Hayes Fawcett.

Hartford racked up 10 tackles (five solo) and broke up two passes as a true freshman in 2023. Though the 6-2, 200-pound safety was most productive as a sophomore in 2024, playing in 14 games while adding eight tackles (four solo) on the way to Ohio State’s national championship in Jan. 2025.

After falling short of safety Jaylen McClain for the second safety spot in the offseason, Hartford appeared in just four regular-season games for Ohio State, recording two tackles and preserving a year of eligibility. Following his transfer, he will have two years of eligibility remaining.

A product of Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio, Hartford was ranked as the No. 161 overall recruit, the No. 11 safety and the No. 3 player in Ohio in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings.

Hartford becomes the 25th Ohio State player on scholarship to enter the transfer portal this offseason.