Why Teradja Mitchell is finishing season with Ohio State football after entering portal
Joey KaufmanATLANTA — Before Ohio State linebacker Teradja Mitchell put his name in the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month, he got an assurance from coach Ryan Day.
Mitchell would be able to remain with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff, which begins with a semifinal against Georgia at the Peach Bowl on Saturday night.
“I’ve been here for so long,” he said, “that these guys are family to me. It’s important to finish what you started.”
The possibility of entering the portal seemed unlikely months ago as Mitchell expected this to be his last season in college football. He had already used his additional season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic to remain with the Buckeyes.
But as he appeared in only four games during the regular season, he qualified for a redshirt, leaving him with a sixth season of eligibility to use next fall.
More:Ohio State football transfer portal tracker: Which players are leaving?
A hamstring injury that limited him for much of the season turned out to be a silver lining.
“When I got injured, I realized that was an opportunity for me,” Mitchell said.
When he was available, Mitchell saw a reduced role, contributing on special teams after starting at linebacker the previous season and finishing as the team’s sixth-leading tackler with 45.
That factored into his decision to look to use his remaining year of eligibility at another school.
“I just wanted to give myself an opportunity to play,” Mitchell said. “I’ve dealt with injuries. I’ve dealt with a lot of things. I prayed it about it. And I felt like that was my best option.”
The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Mitchell intends to transfer to Florida, though he said Thursday that he preferred not to discuss any potential transfer destinations.
“All my focus is on beating Georgia,” Mitchell said.
Selected as one of the team captains in 2021, Mitchell sees his decision to stick around as a way provide leadership, while players often leave the program as soon as they enter the portal.
“It’s important for the younger guys in this program to help them understand what this is all about,” he said. “I feel like that’s everything. That’s been my role. That’s going to help us win a national championship. Whatever it takes, I’m willing to do with this team.”
Mitchell’s commitment has stood out to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who also coaches the linebackers.
“He’s about a fine a person as you’re ever going to be around,” Knowles said. “He’s a team guy. He’s put a lot time and effort into this program. The way he’s handled things is rare. But that’s just the kind of person he is. He’s someone you’re going to be able to count on to be there.”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.