Since their 2025 season wrapped up with a tough loss to Miami, more than ten Ohio State players have officially entered the portal. On Friday, another name was added to that list as a former three-star prospect out of Lubbock bid his farewell.

As per On3’s Pete Nakos, the Buckeyes’ OL Isaih Kema has entered the portal. The 6’3, 312-pound offensive lineman arrived at the Buckeyes as a walk-on in June 2025, eventually earning a late scholarship. During his freshman season, he sat behind Carson Hinzman and Joshua Padilla, working on his development. Now, as the 2025 season came to a close, Kema has decided to move forward.

Kema’s collegiate career is yet to take off. However, his high school statistics carry considerable weight. Having played offensive lineman for Frenship High School, he had a huge impact on the Panthers’ offense. Kema was ranked the No. 48 interior OL in the Class of 2023, with the Texas Sportswriters Association naming him to the Class 6A first-team all-state selection. Not just that, he made it to the Texas District 2-6A first team as well, along with participating in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl and the U.S. Army All-Star Bowl.

With an impressive resume, he moved towards college football. Texas Tech, Kansas, California, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State are a couple of programs that were interested in recruiting him. His dad, Troy, worked as the Director of Player Engagement at the Aggies, and so, naturally, it was believed that Kema would eventually join his dad at the program. Even On3’s recruiting machinery stated a 90.1% chance for him to pack his bags for College Station.

However, Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State finally won him over. But a change of plans delayed his collegiate football career. After graduating from high school, he soon left for New Zealand on a two-year church mission. After he returned, he came to Columbus, joining former Oklahoma State offensive line coach Charlie Dickey (OSU OL coach).

“I was offered a scholarship to play at no other than the Ohio State University,” he shared when he arrived at OSU. “I signed as soon as I could and have been working with the team since June.”

Kema’s journey with OSU might have ended early, but his time with the Bucks remains a cherished memory.

Texas Tech remains a possible transfer option

Isaiah Kema hasn’t officially commented on his transfer portal plans. However, the Lubbock native holds an emotional attachment to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Having completed his high school at Wolfforth (Lubbock County, Texas), he has seen the program up close. At that time, the Red Raiders had been struggling, yet Kema remained convinced that the West Texas talent would eventually succeed in the future.

“I did think that eventually they would be a good program because there is good football played in West Texas,” he said post Cotton Bowl, according to the Star-Telegram. “When I was in high school, they were still struggling, so it was hard to see that in the future. But I am proud to be from Lubbock, and to see what they are doing.”

Under Joey McGuire, Texas Tech achieved new heights. A 12-1 season led them to the Big 12 title championship win, followed by a No. 4 seed in the college football playoffs. Despite the quarterfinal loss to the Ducks, Texas Tech is still brimming with talent.

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