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Former Five-Star LB C.J. Hicks Reportedly Signs With USF, Reuniting With Brian Hartline

The move underscores Hartline's rapid portal push during Ohio State's ongoing roster turnover.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report that Hicks has signed with USF to use his final season under new Bulls coach Brian Hartline.
  • Hicks entered the 2026 transfer portal one day after Ohio State's Cotton Bowl loss to Miami.
  • The Dayton native arrived in 2022 as a five-star, ranked No. 7 overall and the No. 1 linebacker by the 247Sports Composite.
  • Across four seasons he recorded 42 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, with his most productive year in 2024.
  • His Buckeyes stint included a move from linebacker to edge and a 2025 redshirt, as Ohio State logs 15-plus portal departures this offseason.