Ohio State helmet Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

After the departure of veteran safety Ja’Had Carter this spring, the Ohio State Buckeyes were lacking depth at the safety position. But it sounds like the Buckeyes addressed that situation in a big way on Friday as they added a major addition through the transfer portal.

On Friday morning, four-star South Carolina Gamecocks transfer safety Keenan Nelson Jr. announced his commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes, giving the Buckeyes some much-needed veteran depth at the safety position this upcoming season.

During his time at Sout Carolina, Nelson appeared in 15 games and made four starts across two seasons. In those contests, he recorded 13 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup.

While Nelson is not expected to be a starter this season with Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom and Jordan Hancock expected to start at Ohio State’s three safety spots this upcoming season, but he will likely be one of the top backups and will have a chance to start next season for the Buckeyes. He will join Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu, Jaylen McClain and Leroy Roker as Ohio State’s backup safeties.

Nelson will have three years of eligibility to use with the Buckeyes. We’ll have to see how his career plays out.

[Keenan Nelson Jr.]