Former Michigan LB Joey Velazquez transfers to Ohio State.
According to the Eleven Warriors, former Michigan Wolverines linebacker Joey Velazquez will leave Ann Arbor to return to Columbus with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Michigan might be on top of the college football ranks, but one Wolverine is crossing enemy lines this offseason.
Linebacker Joey Velazquez has transferred to Ohio State as a graduate transfer, according to the Eleven Warriors. The former 2019 three-star prospect will join the Buckeyes as a walk-on in the spring.
A native of Columbus, Velazquez appeared in 16 games throughout five seasons with the Wolverines. His greatest season came in 2021, when he participated in 10 games and recorded a career-high six tackles. The 6-2, 222-pound defender concluded his Wolverine career with eight tackles and one fumble recovery.
At Ohio State, Velazquez will aim to crack the two-man depth chart with the support of James Laurinaitis. The former All-American Buckeyes great recently shared a photo of all the linebackers, including Velazquez, watching Super Bowl LVIII at his home in Columbus.
With the addition of Velazquez, the Buckeyes have brought seven transfers via the portal since their 14-3 loss over Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Top names like quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss), center Chase McLaughlin (Alabama), and safety Caleb Downs (Alabama) should be plug-and-play starters come Week 1.
Tight end Will Kacmarek (Ohio) could win the starting job in spring practice with the departure of John Mackey finalist Cade Stover. Last season with the Bobcats, the 6-6 St. Louis native recorded 22 catches for 243 yards and two TDs.
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Ohio State also added five-star recruit and former Alabama signee Julia Sanyin following the retirement of Nick Saban. Sayin, On3’s No. 2 2024 quarterback prospect, will battle for the starting spot alongside Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholtz, and four-star recruit Air Noland, but could redshirt to save a season of eligibility. The Buckeyes commence the 2024 season at Ohio Stadium against Akron on Aug. 31.
