John Walker's transfer portal commitment proves UCF does have top-tier talent

The transfer portal has not been particularly kind to UCF so far this offseason, as many key players from the 2025 season have decided to enter the portal. However, head coach Scott Frost has done a good job pulling some guys from the portal to join for the 2026 season.

One of the biggest hits UCF took from the portal was when defensive lineman John Walker was entering and would not return to Orlando next season. The former four-star Osceola native played two seasons with the Knights and is now choosing to move on, and he is certainly making a statement with his next team.

On3's Hayes Fawcett reported that Walker has committed to Ohio State out of the transfer portal, which is huge. Walker should take a huge step forward with a program like Ohio State, especially with the coaching staff they currently have on the defensive side of the ball.

John Walker's Ohio State commitment makes a big statemen about UCF football

Walker's commitment to Ohio State says a lot about the type of player he is, but also a lot about UCF's football program. Many still choose to look at UCF as the program that claimed a fake National Championship in 2017 and can't actually compete at the power conference level.

Well, with the coaching problems UCF has had in the last few years, of course, the Knights are going to struggle. However, Walker's commitment proves that UCF has the talent, but sometimes it takes the right coaching staff to use that talent in the right there.

Walker was great in UCF's defense and a real leader, even as a young player, but clearly, he feels like he has hit his ceiling in Orlando and feels he could have more growth somewhere else. UCF can attract top talent, and Walker is proof of that.

Frost is doing everything he can to bring in that same top talent from the portal this offseason, and some of his commitments prove he is doing a great job at that.