Ohio State Lands Experienced Safety Terry Moore to Replace Caleb Downs Amid Roster Overhaul.
Following a stunning loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is already reeling off an offseason roster overhaul. Just days after losing their starting safety, Caleb Downs announced his departure for the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the Buckeyes with a crucial void in their secondary.
In a swift move to address this gap, Ohio State has secured Terry Moore, a talented safety from Duke, via the transfer portal. With one year of eligibility remaining, Moore brings significant experience and production to the table. The former breakout defensive back recorded 71 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in his impressive 2024 season.
Moore's impressive performance earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors and recognition from Action Network as a Second-Team All-American. However, he missed the entire 2025 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in Duke's postseason game. The injury allowed Moore to enter the transfer portal, where Ohio State swooped in to secure his services.
The Buckeyes' defense, which led the nation in scoring and total yards allowed throughout the season, will now have an experienced playmaker to replace Downs. Terry Moore offers Columbus a rangy coverage ability, consistent interception production, and physical box support. If medically cleared and fully recovered, Moore is poised to absorb significant snaps and help offset the leadership and production void left by Downs' departure.
With this addition, Ohio State has bolstered its transfer class, prioritizing veteran help in the secondary during the January portal window. The move sets the stage for a potential resurgence under Day's leadership, as the Buckeyes look to rebuild and regain their footing following a disappointing playoff exit.
Following a stunning loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is already reeling off an offseason roster overhaul. Just days after losing their starting safety, Caleb Downs announced his departure for the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the Buckeyes with a crucial void in their secondary.
In a swift move to address this gap, Ohio State has secured Terry Moore, a talented safety from Duke, via the transfer portal. With one year of eligibility remaining, Moore brings significant experience and production to the table. The former breakout defensive back recorded 71 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in his impressive 2024 season.
Moore's impressive performance earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors and recognition from Action Network as a Second-Team All-American. However, he missed the entire 2025 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in Duke's postseason game. The injury allowed Moore to enter the transfer portal, where Ohio State swooped in to secure his services.
The Buckeyes' defense, which led the nation in scoring and total yards allowed throughout the season, will now have an experienced playmaker to replace Downs. Terry Moore offers Columbus a rangy coverage ability, consistent interception production, and physical box support. If medically cleared and fully recovered, Moore is poised to absorb significant snaps and help offset the leadership and production void left by Downs' departure.
With this addition, Ohio State has bolstered its transfer class, prioritizing veteran help in the secondary during the January portal window. The move sets the stage for a potential resurgence under Day's leadership, as the Buckeyes look to rebuild and regain their footing following a disappointing playoff exit.
to the Buckeyes' secondary! 
Their defense was already on point, but with Moore's experience and skills, they're about to get even more deadly 
. I'm low-key hyped for this transfer portal move 
, Day needs some veteran help and Moore is exactly what the doctor ordered 
. Buckeyes are about to be back in business 
!
! Ohio State just landed an awesome safety in Terry Moore 
. I mean, 71 tackles and 7 tackles for loss in one season? That's insane! 
He's gonna bring a whole new level of experience to the Buckeyes' secondary 
. With Downs gone, there was definitely a void, but I think Moore is exactly what they needed 
. His coverage skills and interception production are gonna be HUGE for the team 
just wondering if ohio state is really just gonna rely on one guy to fix their whole defense? like, terry moore is talented and all but they're not replacing caleb downs with someone who's the same level of leadership and expertise... what about depth at safety? that's a big concern for me 
just saw Ohio State landed Terry Moore, but I'm still worried about the 2025 season... they had that solid defense last year and now they're missing Downs, one of their best safeties... 
still gonna be tough for them to rebound from that playoff loss 
... Moore's experience and production are definitely attractive, but what if he gets hurt again? 
...
- 71 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, one sack... the buckeyes' defense is gonna be 
. With his experience and all-around skills, he's gonna plug the hole at safety and help get this secondary back on track 
. Now I'm not expecting them to make it to the championship game or anything (not with Miami still in their face 
), but I think Day got the right piece of the puzzle here. And let's be real, a roster overhaul is necessary after that playoffs mess... gotta shake things up 
!
these Ohio State transfers are just a joke 
This guy was a breakout star in 2024 and now he's gonna bring all that experience to OSU 
️