Ohio State is fortifying its special teams with a surprising new addition to the kicking corps! The Buckeyes have secured a third kicker for their 2026 roster, bringing in former Notre Dame walk-on Marcello Diomede. This move adds a valuable layer of depth as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Following the commitment of Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins, who is expected to vie for the starting kicker position, and the addition of high school talent Cooper Peterson as a preferred walk-on, Diomede's commitment on Tuesday marks another strategic piece in Ohio State's special teams puzzle. He shared his excitement, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and thanking coaches Discher, Keys, and Day.
Diomede arrives in Columbus with three seasons of experience at Notre Dame, where he participated in 10 games. During his time with the Fighting Irish, he handled 17 kickoffs, accumulating 1,088 yards with an impressive 64-yard average and 11 touchbacks. While he successfully converted three out of four extra point attempts, he did not attempt any field goals for Notre Dame.
The Diomede File:
* Year: Redshirt Junior
* Physicals: 6-1 / 195 lbs
* Position: Kicker
* Previous School: Notre Dame (2023-25)
* 2025 Stats: 2-3 PATs, 16 kickoffs for 1,033 yards (64.6 average), 11 touchbacks
Diomede, originally from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is unlikely to unseat Hawkins for the primary kicking duties. However, his presence is crucial given the departures of both of Ohio State's 2025 kickers, Jayden Fielding and Jackson Courville. With two years of eligibility remaining, Diomede provides a reliable backup and competition.
This acquisition makes Diomede the fifth new specialist to join the Buckeyes via the transfer portal this offseason. He joins scholarship long snapper Dalton Riggs (UCF), walk-on punter Brady Young (Houston Christian), and walk-on long snapper Landon Beal (Maine) in bolstering Ohio State's special teams unit.
But here's where it gets interesting... While Diomede brings solid kickoff statistics, his lack of field goal attempts at Notre Dame might raise questions for some fans. Is this a sign of a specialized role, or a hidden potential waiting to be unleashed? And this is the part most people miss... The strategy behind accumulating multiple kickers, even walk-ons, can be a subtle but effective way to build a competitive practice environment and ensure readiness for any situation. What are your thoughts on this influx of kicking talent? Do you think it's a smart move, or perhaps overkill? Let us know in the comments below!
