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Ohio State adds Michigan linebacker transfer to pick up an offseason win over rivals

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Feb 12, 2024 2:23 PM ET

Ohio State hasn’t beat Michigan in a few seasons but they just picked up a win over them in a different way.

The Buckeyes are adding transfer linebacker Joey Velazquez from the Wolverines, according to numerous reports. Velazquez has spent the last five seasons with Michigan before transferring.

Velazquez will join Ohio State as a walk-on and has already been with the team for winter workouts. Back in December, Velazquez entered the transfer portal.

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Before committing to Michigan out of high school, Velazquez was committed to Ohio State to play baseball. He ended up flipping his commitment to Michigan where he would play both. As a senior, Velazquez started 38 games for the Wolverines on the baseball diamond and had four home runs to go along with 36 hits.

In his football career at Michigan, Velazquez recorded seven tackles and was primarily a special teams player. He played in 12 games in 2022 and one in 2021.

Having played his college ball at DeSales High School in Columbus, coming back to Ohio State is a chance for Velazquez to join his home team and continue his education. While he is a walk-on, he could have a scout team impact or perhaps he could even break through in special teams.

According to 247 Sports, Velazquez was a three-star prospect out of high school in 2019 and the No. 86 safety. While at Michigan, the linebacker was listed as a 6-foot and 222-pound linebacker.

Wins over Michigan haven’t come often lately, so Ohio State will take them however that can get them.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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