In nearly every offseason thread on Bucknuts since Ohio State’s season ended, lots of Buckeyes fans expressed a similar sentiment across many threads on the message board: When is Ohio State going to get a damn kicker?!?
Well, sure enough, OSU has finally secured one of its biggest needs of the offseason by landing the commitment of former Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins on Wednesday night. Hawkins officially entered the transfer portal the same day he committed to Ohio State and wasted no time in committing to the Buckeyes. Hawkins spent two seasons with the Bears and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Internet sleuths connected Hawkins and Ohio State together instantly, as the young kicker was following various Ohio State football social media accounts. Once he officially entered the portal, it was clear there was mutual interest and the Buckeyes moved quickly to secure one of their greatest positions of need.
“First I would like to thank God for his constant guidance throughout my life, without him, I would not be where I am today,” Hawkins said in a statement released to his Twitter account regarding his decision to enter the transfer portal. “To my coaches, thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity of a lifetime. You have helped shape me to not only be a better player, but a better man as well. To my teammates, thank you for your unwavering support. The memories I’ve made the past two years I will carry forever. To Baylor fans, thank you for all your support. After taking time to pray, reflect, and talk with my family, I will be entering my name in the transfer portal.”
In his lone season as Baylor’s primary kicker, Hawkins made 81.2 percent of his kicks, going 18-of-22 total. He was 3-of-4 on field goals from 50 yards away or longer and was 5-of-8 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards. He was a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals up to 39 yards and was a perfect 37-of-37 on PATs. His longest career field goal is from 54 yards out.
The season highlight for Hawkins in 2025 was making a 53-yard field goal with 36 seconds remaining against Kansas State when Baylor was trailing 34-32 at the time. The Bears eventually won that contest 35-34.
Hawkins is the 12th total addition Ohio State has made in the transfer portal so far this offseason. Other players the Buckeyes have brought in include tight end Mason Williams, long snapper Dalton Riggs, defensive lineman John Walker, wide receiver Devin McCuin, linebacker Christian Alliegro, safety Earl Little Jr., safety Terry Moore, tight end Hunter Welcing, edge rusher Qua Russaw and defensive tackle James Smith.
By adding a proven kicker like Hawkins, the Buckeyes now hope their kicking game turns into a strength for the 2026 season.