Buckeyes' Gabe Powers Makes Choice to Enter Transfer Portal

© Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State linebacker Gabe Powers announced his intention to enter the Transfer Portal on Monday, Dec. 2. A four-star recruit from Marysville, Ohio, he is now a junior but saw little time on the field in his career at Ohio State.

The 6-foot-4, 242-pound LB will now look to find a new team to play for in his two remaining years of eligibility.

Gabe Powers' Play at Ohio State

Powers has seen only sparse time on the field in his first three seasons. Despite the limited playing time, he was impressive when given opportunities. Powers played only 28 defensive snaps in 2024 for the Buckeyes. Between those snaps and special teams play, he racked up 5 total tackles. His play on special teams has been consistent, and he is always around the ball when he does get time on defense. Powers even intercepted a deflected pass and returned it for a touchdown in the season opener against Akron.

Powers is leaving Ohio State because of the team's incredible talent at the LB position and his consequent inability to garner significant playing time. Former safety Sonny Styles moved to LB last offseason and knocked Powers down another spot on the depth chart. Senior captain Cody Simon already had the middle LB spot that Powers plays locked up this year. Additionally, sophomore Arvell Reese's outstanding play further curtailed Powers' opportunities, as Reese cemented his spot as the Buckeyes' third inside LB.

Powers still made some solid defensive plays against Michigan State and other teams in the middle of the year. However, as conference play ramped up, his snaps decreased, and he was relegated mostly to special teams.

Powers' Future

Powers will likely start as an inside LB wherever he ends up based on his proven instinctual play. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and LB coach James Laurinaitis praised his work ethic throughout his time with the Buckeyes.

Powers received offers in high school from other Big Ten Conference teams such as Michigan, Penn State, USC, Minnesota, Michigan State and Wisconsin. He also received an offer from Colorado. There is an entirely new staff in Boulder, Colo., under head coach Deion Sanders, and because three of Colorado's top-four current LBs are graduate transfers, it's entirely possible they could entertain the addition of Powers now. Wherever he ends up, Powers will likely play a much bigger role and have a greater impact.