Ohio State's Newest Safety Named Most Impactful Transfer Before 2026 Season
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Buckeyes have retooled their roster in the hopes that they can reload and be back contending for the National Championship in 2026.
The end of the 2025 season fueled what was hopefully an impactful offseason for the Buckeyes, but Ryan Day wasn't leaving much to chance. After losing several key players on the defensive side to the NFL Draft, Day hit the transfer portal to bring in new pieces at every level to try to fill the void.
There was no bigger investment than in the safety position. Ohio State added two players in the portal. The first name that everyone knows is the transfer from Alabama and Florida State, Earl Little Jr.
The transfer that is flying under the radar is the former Duke safety Terry Moore.
Moore began his college career on the offensive side of the football, playing the running back position. After one season and no traction, he flipped over to the defensive side of the ball to his more natural position, safety.
After moving to the safety position, he made an immediate impact on the defense. In that season, he notched 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two quarterback pressures. He also showed that he still was a threat with the ball in his hands, notching 10 kickoff returns averaging 23 yards a return.
It was a very solid start in 2023, which took him to 2024, which ended up being his final playing season at Duke. He started all 13 games, and his numbers increased dramatically. He had 71 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 1.0 sack on the year. He was a star in 2024, and his arrow was pointing straight up.
Then, disaster struck for Moore in the 2024 Gator Bowl. In the Bowl Game, Moore tore his ACL, which cost him his entire 2025 season, giving him a chance to make a transfer move.
He comes to Ohio State a little bit under the radar, but with the potential to be a star for the Ohio State defense.
On3's Ari Wasserman went even a step further and noted that Moore is not only the most impactful transfer that Ohio State acquired this offseason, but the eighth most impactful transfer in the entire Big Ten Conference.
NEW: Top 10 Most Impactful Big Ten Football Transfers for 2026💥
(via @AriWasserman)https://t.co/0hDImZ87DHpic.twitter.com/2ObHX37Pdj
— On3 (@On3) July 14, 2026
It is quite the preseason honor for Moore. However, his responsibility is a big one. Someone is going to have to fill the shoes of Caleb Downs, and whether it is Moore or Little Jr, someone has to do it.
A lot of eyes are going to be on Terry Moore in the backend of the Buckeyes' defense, and rightfully so. If the Buckeyes get the best version of him, the defense immediately goes back to an elite status.
Buckeye Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Ohio State Buckeyes. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos