Ohio State Dismisses Walk-On Football Player Caden Davis Amid Social Media Fame

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Caden Davis, a walk-on defensive end for Ohio State University‘s football team, has been dismissed from the roster, according to Jerry Emig, the team’s sports information director. Davis, a sophomore from Mason, Ohio, gained prominence not for his on-field performance but for his substantial social media following, which exceeds 300,000 across platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Davis, who never played a snap for the Buckeyes, was known for posting behind-the-scenes content from Ohio State’s athletic facilities, media days, and campus life. His online presence earned him the title of “Best Social Media Presence (Athlete)” in The Lantern‘s 2023 “Best of OSU” poll. Despite his dismissal, Davis’ social media profiles still reference his association with the team, including the text “Ohio State football #61.”

The exact reasons for Davis’ removal remain unclear. Emig confirmed the dismissal but did not provide specific details. The Lantern reached out to Davis for comment but received no response by the time of publication. The timing of his dismissal, just days before Ohio State’s appearance in the 2025 National Championship Game, has raised questions.

In a now-deleted Instagram reel, Davis implied he was part of the Buckeyes’ trip to the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, 2025. However, the images he shared were from Ohio State’s previous Cotton Bowl appearance on Jan. 1, 2024. This led to criticism from George Fitzpatrick, an offensive lineman currently in the transfer portal, who commented, “You don’t play here.”

Davis released a statement addressing his departure: “Being a Buckeye has always been a dream come true of mine since being a kid. I am so very appreciative to the coaches, staff, and players for welcoming me into the team. I truly cannot thank them enough for allowing me to live my dream for the last two years and mentoring me the way they have. With changes in the NCAA and personal career reasons, I will not be a PWO at OSU. I appreciate the support of everyone and your help to respect my privacy about the decision made. Thank you, Go Bucks.”

Davis’ social media growth coincided with his time at Ohio State, where he shared glimpses of team-sponsored swag and campus life. His passion for photography was previously highlighted in a Sept. 20, 2023, feature in The Lantern. Despite his dismissal, his online influence remains significant.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.