Iowa-Bound Linebacker C.J. Hicks Finds New Home at USF After Ohio State Exit
Former Ohio State linebacker C.J. Hicks, a five-star recruit who once held an offer from Iowa, is starting a new chapter at South Florida after realizing his path to playing time in Columbus had stalled. The Kettering, Ohio native sat out most of his senior season to preserve eligibility and entered the transfer portal, eventually landing with the Bulls under new head coach Brian Hartline.
Why did C.J. Hicks leave Ohio State?
Hicks was a standout at Archbishop Alter High School, where he played running back, receiver, defensive back, and outside linebacker. He drew nearly 30 scholarship offers from top programs including Penn State, Notre Dame, Iowa, Tennessee, and Ohio State. As an Ohio native, choosing the Buckeyes felt natural.
But at Ohio State, elite talent is everywhere. Hicks found himself behind established starters and spent most of his time on special teams. Entering his senior season in 2025, he hoped for a breakthrough. After four games, he realized it wasn't coming, so he decided to sit out the rest of the year and preserve a redshirt season.
How Brian Hartline's move to USF changed everything
Around the same time, Brian Hartline, who had known Hicks since his high school days, left Ohio State to become USF's head coach. That connection proved pivotal.
“When I first hit the portal, I wasn't even thinking about USF, but talking to Hartline, having him have me talk to Aldrich and the rest of the coaching staff, I just felt like it was a place where I needed to go,” Hicks said.
What USF coaches see in Hicks
USF defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge has high expectations for his new linebacker, comparing him favorably to a recent NFL draft pick he coached at Auburn.
“He's got it all, man. He can do it all. And we're going to have to move him around because he can do a lot of things,” Aldridge said. “I had Jalen McLeod at Auburn. That was third-round pick and he's as good as that guy. I mean he's a really good player. I'm putting pressure on him.”
Hicks will wear No. 1, an unusual number for a linebacker. He says it reflects his faith and his daily approach.
“I wear 1 because God is the one, you know, Jesus is the one. And day by day, I have to get 1 percent better,” he said.
What's at stake for Hicks and USF this season
Hicks is focused on helping USF win its first conference championship and potentially reach the College Football Playoff. He knows this is his final college season and feels the urgency.
“Yes, sir, for sure,” he said. “But like I said, just be consistent, keep taking it day by day and continue to grow, learn as much as I can, and be the best teammate football player that I can be.”
For Iowa fans who remember Hicks as a recruiting target, his journey is a reminder of how quickly college football careers can change. Now he's looking to make the most of his last chance on a new stage.
This article was adapted from a report by Yahoo Sports.