Ohio State senior tight end Joe Royer has entered the transfer portal, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
Royer was in his fourth season at Ohio State and has two years of eligibility remaining. He redshirted his first season with the Buckeyes in 2020 and also has an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver.
He appeared in five games in both 2021 and last season, and played in four games this season. In total, he collected four receptions for 24 yards, but he struggled to see the field at Ohio State due to injuries and time spent away from the team last season following the death of his mother.
As it impacts Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State will be without Royer and could also be missing tight end Cade Stover, who could potentially opt out and faces a decision on whether to enter the NFL draft. This opens up an opportunity for senior Gee Scott Jr. and walk-on senior Patrick Gurd, as well as freshman Jelani Thurman, for the Cotton Bowl and beyond.
Royer is the 14th player from Ohio State to enter their name into the transfer portal. Here is the full list:
| Name | Position | Eligibility Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Omari Abor | DE | Three Years |
| Jyaire Brown | CB | Three Years |
| Reid Carrico | LB | Three Years |
| Victor Cutler Jr. | OL | One Year |
| Julian Fleming | WR | One Year |
| Jakob James | OL | One Year |
| Parker Lewis | K | One Year |
| Cameron Martinez | SAF | Two Years |
| Kyle McCord | QB | One Year |
| Evan Pryor | RB | Three Years |
| Joe Royer | TE | Two Years |
| Kye Stokes | SAF | Three Years |
| Chip Trayanum | RB | One Year |
| Ryan Turner | CB | Three Years |
