The Buckeyes’ transfer portal class grabbed a bunch of veteran talent this year, ready to fill immediate needs, but they made a much quieter move that could totally reshape their future. They snagged cornerback Dominick Kelly from Georgia, and don’t let the lack of buzz fool you: this kid could be the biggest steal in the entire portal class, an enormous impact player for Ohio State in the long run.
The Quiet Steal From Georgia
Sure, Kelly doesn’t have the proven production of some other transfers. Last season, he popped up in 10 games for the Bulldogs as a reserve corner, logging three tackles and three pass breakups. He did allow three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, but hear this: the dude got 61 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Elite programs like Georgia aren’t just handing out snaps to freshman corners, so the fact Kirby Smart and his staff trusted Kelly speaks volumes about his potential. That’s a big deal.
Why His Departure Blew Up in Athens
When Kelly announced he was bouncing, he was the first guy from Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class to leave, and that move definitely raised some eyebrows from coaches and fans. While his stats aren’t jumping off the page *yet*, Smart’s disappointment at his departure tells you everything. Smart saw Kelly as a key piece of the Bulldogs’ longer-term vision, even if he didn’t have a clear path to start in 2026. This was a four-star prospect out of high school, according to 247Sports composite. A St. Petersburg, Fla. native, Kelly finished his high school career at the insane IMG Academy, one of the country’s top programs, where he racked up four interceptions his senior year. He’s 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and comes to Ohio State with three years of eligibility left, including this 2026 season.
Ohio State’s secondary is already stacked with guys like Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez returning, so Kelly’s path to a starting gig isn’t exactly clearer in Columbus than it was in Athens. But Ryan Day and Matt Patricia clearly have their own long-term vision, recognizing Kelly adds some much-needed depth. Expect him to play more of a rotational role this year, slotting in behind Mathews. It’s a developmental year, but the potential is absolutely there for this kid to become a cornerstone.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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