Nov 1, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears kicker Connor Hawkins (96) kicks a field goal against the UCF Knights during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Ohio State Lands Elite Transfer Kicker

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Noah Adkins | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 8:00 PM ET

After recent struggles at kicker, the Ohio State Buckeyes made addressing the position in the transfer portal a priority.

On Thursday morning, head coach Ryan Day officially shored up the position, signing Baylor Bears transfer Connor Hawkins.

Connor Hawkins

A former two-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports, Hawkins signed with Baylor and earned the starting job by his second season.

Last season marked Hawkins’ first full year as a starter. He was perfect on extra points last season, converting all 37 attempts in his second year at Baylor. He was 18 of 22 on field goals, going 4 of 4 from 20–29 yards, 6 of 6 from 30–39, and 5 of 8 from 40–49. Hawkins was also 3 of 4 from 50-plus, with a long of 54 yards.

As a true freshman, Hawkins converted all five extra-point attempts and missed his lone field goal try. He will enter the fall as a redshirt sophomore.

Hawkins is expected to provide the consistency at kicker that Ohio State has been looking for in recent years.

End Of My Ohio State Buckeyes Rant

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads warm-ups prior to the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.

With the transfer portal officially closing after Jan. 16, the Buckeyes’ 2026 roster is nearly set. Ohio State stayed patient throughout the window and added several players at key positions of need.

Once the portal closes, the focus shifts to spring practice and watching potential position battles heading into the summer.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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