The exodus of second-year defensive backs continues.
Kye Stokes became the third defensive back from Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class to announce he was entering the transfer portal when he publicized his decision to leave the Buckeyes just minutes after the portal officially opened Monday morning.
Thank you Buckeye Nation https://t.co/Sjvc30lT4H
— Kye Stokes (@kye_stokes) December 4, 2023
Stokes’ announcement came just hours after fellow second-year defensive backs Jyaire Brown and Ryan Turner made their announcements that they would enter the portal, leaving Sonny Styles as the only remaining defensive back from Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class on the Buckeyes’ roster.
Although he was one of the lowest-ranked recruits in Ohio State’s 2022 class, Stokes appeared to be on the fast track toward early playing time when he was the first freshman in his class to shed his black stripe during the spring of 2022. A standout performance in that year’s spring game had Stokes seemingly trending toward playing an immediate role in the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Stokes only ended up playing 83 defensive snaps as a freshman, however, then saw even less playing time this year, appearing in just three November games for a total of 10 snaps. His potential future rule in Ohio State’s secondary became uncertain after freshman safety Malik Hartford surpassed him on the depth chart this year.
Stokes still has three years of collegiate eligibility after redshirting this season.
He becomes the fourth overall Ohio State defensive back to announce he would enter the portal since the end of the regular season, also joining Cameron Martinez. Eight total Buckeyes have announced they will enter the portal over the past week as running back Evan Pryor, defensive end Omari Abor, center Victor Cutler Jr. and kicker Parker Lewis have also opted to transfer from Ohio State.
