A former Michigan Wolverine is now an Ohio State Buckeye.
Michigan graduate Joey Velazquez – a Columbus native and DeSales High School graduate – has transferred to Ohio State, a program spokesperson confirmed to Eleven Warriors. A three-star recruit in the 2019 class, Velazquez will be a walk-on for the Buckeyes in 2024.
The 6-foot, 222-pound linebacker appeared in 16 games across five seasons with the Wolverines. His appearances came as a freshman in 2019 (one), a redshirt sophomore in 2021 (10) and a redshirt junior in 2022 (five). He did not see any action in the 2020 or 2023 seasons. Velazquez finished his Michigan career with eight tackles and one fumble recovery.
Velazquez also played baseball at Michigan. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Wolverines as an outfielder and helped advance to two NCAA Regionals in 2021 and 2022. In 100 games, Velazquez made 68 starts and hit .255 with 17 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 51 RBIs. An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed Velazquez will play only football for the Buckeyes.
On Sunday, Ohio State's linebacker room watched Super Bowl LVIII together, and graduate assistant James Laurinaitis posted a photo of the coaches and players. Velazquez can be seen in the back of the photo wearing a black Nike jacket.
BUCKEYES!!! Sacred Brotherhood!!! pic.twitter.com/T7Z1575fzQ
— James Laurinaitis (@JLaurinaitis55) February 12, 2024
