Ohio State Buckeyes Land No. 1 Cornerback Transfer Julian Humphrey, Former Georgia Standout Brings Elite SEC Experience to Columbus…read More….

The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to show why they are among college football’s premier programs by making another splash in the transfer portal. On Tuesday, former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Julian Humphrey officially announced his commitment to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes a highly coveted defensive back who brings not only SEC pedigree but also the reputation of being one of the top transfer cornerbacks in the nation.

Humphrey, who entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason, was pursued by multiple national powerhouses, including Texas, Alabama, and Florida State. But Ohio State emerged victorious in the battle for his signature, adding a player who could immediately solidify the Buckeyes’ secondary.

A Major Need for the Buckeyes

Ohio State’s defense was one of the strongest in the country last season, but depth in the secondary remained an area of concern as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. With several defensive backs either heading to the NFL Draft or exhausting their eligibility, head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles knew the Buckeyes needed an experienced, high-level corner to maintain their defensive standard.

Humphrey fits that role perfectly. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, the former 4-star recruit brings length, speed, and the ability to match up with top wideouts on the perimeter. His time at Georgia gave him the chance to compete in the most physical conference in college football, and that SEC experience is expected to translate seamlessly to the Big Ten.

Humphrey’s Journey to Columbus

Originally from Houston, Texas, Humphrey was rated as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2022 recruiting class. He chose Georgia over Texas A&M, LSU, and Florida, drawn by the Bulldogs’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive backs. During his time in Athens, he learned under head coach Kirby Smart and defensive backs coach Fran Brown, who emphasized aggressive man-to-man coverage and physicality.

Though he saw limited playing time as a freshman and sophomore due to Georgia’s deep roster of NFL talent, Humphrey impressed coaches with his athleticism and toughness. He recorded 21 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and an interception during his time with the Bulldogs, but with the opportunity for a bigger role, the decision to enter the portal became an easy one.

Ohio State wasted no time making him a priority, and the Buckeyes’ track record of producing first-round defensive backs played a major role in his decision.

Why Humphrey Chose Ohio State

In an interview after his commitment, Humphrey highlighted two key reasons for choosing the Buckeyes:

1. Development into an NFL Player – “Ohio State has always been known as ‘DBU,’ and I want to be the next corner that goes from Columbus to the league. The coaches told me I’ll get the chance to prove myself right away, and that’s all I needed to hear.”

2. Championship Aspirations – “I want to win. Ohio State is always in the playoff conversation, and I believe I can help this team get over the top and bring a national championship back to Columbus.”

What Humphrey Brings to the Buckeyes

For Ohio State fans, Humphrey’s addition represents more than just depth—it’s a game-changer. His skill set makes him a natural fit in Jim Knowles’ aggressive defensive scheme. Known for his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage, Humphrey thrives in man-to-man coverage but also has the instincts to excel in zone schemes.

His combination of speed and physicality allows him to cover elite wideouts, something that will be crucial when the Buckeyes face Big Ten rivals Michigan and Penn State, as well as potential playoff opponents.

National Reaction

The college football world has taken notice of Humphrey’s decision. Recruiting analysts quickly labeled the move as one of the biggest defensive portal pickups of the offseason. ESPN called him a “plug-and-play starter” for Ohio State, while 247Sports ranked him as the No. 1 cornerback available in the portal.

Buckeye fans also lit up social media with excitement, with many noting that the Humphrey signing signals Ohio State’s commitment to keeping its defense among the nation’s elite.

Looking Ahead

With Humphrey now in the fold, the Buckeyes’ secondary projects to be one of the strongest in the country. Pairing him with young emerging stars already on the roster gives Ohio State the kind of balance and depth they’ll need to chase another College Football Playoff berth.

For Humphrey, the move to Columbus is about opportunity. For Ohio State, it’s about adding another piece to their championship puzzle.

And for the rest of college football? It’s yet another reminder that the Buckeyes remain one of the sport’s most dominant forces, capable of landing top talent from anywhere in the nation—even from defending national champion Georgia.