Mitchell Melton helped lead Ohio State to its ninth national championship. Melton entered the transfer portal on Jan. 5 but remained with the Buckeyes throughout their CFP journey. He has been a rotation player the past two seasons, recording 15 total tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and three knockdowns. Although he has had hits this season, Melton will likely remain a shortstop on next year’s roster, as Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry is in line to return and possibly start at defensive guard next season. Transfer defensive lineman Logan George and linebacker CJ Hicks are also candidates to get major snaps at linebacker. Initially recruited to Ohio State as a linebacker, Melton moved to defensive lineman after missing the entire 2021 and 2022 seasons due to injury. He finished his career at Ohio State as a national champion.

Ohio State Buckeyes 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Hoodie