Jakob James has found a new home.
After four seasons as a backup at Ohio State, the 6-foot-4, 287-pound offensive lineman has transferred to Toledo. On Wednesday, Toledo football's social media accounts posted that James officially signed with the Rockets.
513419 Welcome #2the419 @jakobjames00#TeamToledo | #NSD pic.twitter.com/B2r2kVjWQN
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) December 20, 2023
A three-star recruit from Cincinnati, James never earned consistent reps at Ohio State. While James was expected to compete for the starting center job in 2023, he missed all of spring practice with an undisclosed ailment. He ended up being the third-string center this season behind Carson Hinzman and Victor Cutler Jr., who has since transferred to Louisville. James recorded six offensive snaps in the regular season.
After James’ departure from Ohio State, the Buckeyes will have two true centers on the roster in 2024 with Hinzman and Joshua Padilla, who redshirted as a true freshman in 2023.
James is the ninth Buckeye to transfer to a new school in December, along with Cutler, quarterback Kyle McCord (Syracuse), running backs Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and Chip Trayanum (Kentucky), defensive end Omari Abor (SMU), linebacker Reid Carrico (West Virginia) and defensive backs Ryan Turner (Boston College) and Kye Stokes (Cincinnati).
Former Buckeyes who remain in the portal include wide receiver Julian Fleming, tight end Joe Royer, cornerback Jyaire Brown, safety Cameron Martinez and kicker Parker Lewis.
