Veteran Ohio State football defensive back plans to transfer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cameron Martinez came to Ohio State football with the potential of becoming a versatile piece of the defense.

A full-time role never quite came together over his four seasons with the Buckeyes. He told Rivals’ Jeremy Birmingham on Thursday he plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Monday. Then he clarified that with his own announcement on X.com.

Martinez is the second OSU defensive player to make that declaration in as many days. Defensive end Omari Abor announced his intent to transfer on Wednesday.

Martinez recorded two tackles in three games as a backup safety this season. His biggest role came as the sixth defensive back in dime packages, which were not necessarily used every game.

Last season he served as Tanner McCalister’s backup at nickel safety. Sonny Styles too over that starting job this season and eventually shared it with cornerback Jordan Hancock. That sort of positional versatility is what OSU always hoped would emerge for Martinez, and what will likely appeal to teams needing secondary help via the portal.

Martinez was a four-star prospect ranked No. 323 overall in the 2020 class out of Muskegon, Michigan. He was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a run-first quarterback, rushing for 2,214 yards and 36 touchdowns and throwing for another 1,258 and 11 touchdowns.

Per Birmingham’s report, Martinez said he is open to playing on either side of the ball at his next stop.

Martinez’s departure comes as OSU also prepares to lose two starting safeties to the natural end of their careers: Josh Proctor and Lathan Ransom. Young players such as Malik Hartford and Kye Stokes have shown promise the past two seasons.

At least for depth — something Martinez provided for his final three seasons — Ohio State may need to look in the portal for more safeties as well.