Hicks and Rodgers Transferred to South Florida

The former Ohio State players joined the University of South Florida football program.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football

Hicks and Rodgers Transferred to South Florida

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C.J. Hicks and Bryson Rodgers transferred to the University of South Florida football team following their tenure at Ohio State. These roster additions occurred as the program experienced significant turnover during the 2026 offseason.

Why it matters

The arrivals of Hicks and Rodgers provide immediate impact talent for head coach Brian Hartline as the team works to replace key starters who left for the NFL. Both players sought new environments to maximize their playing opportunities.

Linebacker-turned-defensive-end C.J. Hicks recorded 19 tackles and one sack this season, while receiver Bryson Rodgers leads the team with 27 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns. These figures follow a period where 33 players from the previous South Florida roster entered the transfer portal.

The players

C.J. Hicks

He is a former Ohio State linebacker who transitioned to defensive end upon joining the University of South Florida.

Bryson Rodgers

He is a four-star wide receiver recruit from Tampa who leads his current team in receptions and yardage.

Brian Hartline

He serves as the current head coach of the University of South Florida football team.

Arvell Reese

He was a former teammate who was selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL draft by the New York Giants.

Sonny Styles

He was a former teammate who was selected seventh overall in the 2026 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders.

The details

Bryson Rodgers, a four-star recruit from Tampa, joined the team after entering the portal in December 2025, while C.J. Hicks transitioned positions to secure a more impactful role. Their additions come after former teammates Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles were selected in the top ten of the 2026 NFL draft.

Bryson Rodgers entered the transfer portal in December 2025.
Rodgers and Van Buren first met in January 2026.
The NFL draft occurred in April 2026.
Rodgers provided an interview with The Oracle in September 2026.

Season Trajectory

The exodus of players to the 2026 NFL Draft forced the University of South Florida to overhaul its roster via the transfer portal. This aggressive recruitment cycle is intended to sustain the program's competitiveness in the wake of losing multiple first-round caliber talents.

The addition of Rodgers provides a primary target for the passing game, potentially shifting the team's offensive production metrics. Hicks's versatility at defensive end alters the front-seven rotation and defensive pressure schemes.

The takeaway

The successful integration of transfer portal players is essential for maintaining team depth after high-profile departures. Players often seek new programs specifically to increase their draft visibility and playing time.