Ohio State Targets Kayin Lee Amid Transfer Portal Surge

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State is eyeing Auburn transfer cornerback Kayin Lee this weekend as he plans to visit the campus. Lee, who was previously committed to Ohio State in 2022, will visit on January 4 following a trip to Ole Miss on January 3, according to Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

Lee, a four-star recruit from the 2023 class, has made a name for himself during his three seasons at Auburn. In his college career, he has tallied 81 tackles, three interceptions, and 17 pass breakups. With one season of eligibility left, Lee has become a sought-after player in the transfer portal.

Statistics from Pro Football Focus indicate that Lee allowed just 57 receptions for 809 yards and three touchdowns on 116 targets over 843 snaps. Ohio State could benefit from his experience as the team prepares to lose at least one starting cornerback, Davison Igbinosun, and nickelback Lorenzo Styles Jr., who are both exhausting their eligibility.

If Lee joins the Buckeyes, he will immediately compete for a starting position alongside Jermaine Mathews Jr., who is deliberating whether to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Other candidates include Devin Sanchez and five-star recruit Aaron Scott Jr.

Lee is among several defensive players visiting Ohio State now that the transfer portal is open. Other potential additions include a former Pittsburgh linebacker and a Gardner-Webb defensive end. Notable defensive ends like Chaz Coleman from Penn State and John Walker from UCF have also been linked to the Buckeyes.