Former Ohio State player proves where his heart truly lies after surprising transfer portal decision that involves the Buckeyes again

This move makes plenty of sense for both sides. The Buckeyes needed more upside on their infield, and Kaczmar is familiar with the program. He was one of South Carolina's most consistent pieces to their lineup on a weekly basis this season.

Kaczmar spent two seasons with Ohio State, playing in Columbus in 2023 and 2024. He transferred to South Carolina for 2025, and now he’ll return to the Buckeyes for 2026. All in all, he’s hit .309 during his college baseball career, amassing 190 hits, 27 doubles, 20 home runs and 110 RBIs. -- On3.com

This situation will remind plenty of Buckeye fans of Meechie Johnson's portal movement. The former Ohio State basketball player jumped back and forth from the Buckeyes to the Gamecocks throughout his college career. 

Johnson, who committed to the Buckeyes for his second stint with the program last offseason after a second-team All-SEC year at South Carolina and was expected to play an integral role for the Buckeyes in the 2024-25 campaign, said one of the biggest issues he was dealing with during the time was the void left in his life by his late grandfather, Williams Johnson, who died of colon cancer while he was playing with the Gamecocks. He said that although this occurred before he returned to Ohio State, his absence still negatively affected him and weighed on him this past season. -- Buckeyesports.com

Ohio State HC Justin Haire needs to build on this tumultuous season for the Buckeyes that saw them go 13-37 with only five conference victories. We'll see if the return of Kaczmar can help them find success next season.