Why I Decided to Transfer from the Tennessee Volunteers to Ohio State – Joakim Dodson Read More 👇
Transferring from one college program to another is not a decision that any athlete makes lightly. It comes with a mix of emotions, challenges, and the weight of uncertainty. For me, leaving the Tennessee Volunteers after two seasons was a monumental decision, one that took a lot of reflection and conversations with my family, coaches, and mentors. But at the end of the day, I felt that the opportunity at Ohio State offered me the best chance for both personal and professional growth. Here’s a closer look at why I decided to make the leap.
1. A Search for Greater Opportunities
When I first arrived at Tennessee, I had high hopes of contributing immediately to the team and developing under a respected coaching staff. However, as my time there progressed, I realized that the program’s goals and my personal ambitions were not perfectly aligned. As a player, I felt that the role I was being asked to play wasn’t allowing me to maximize my potential. While Tennessee is a powerhouse in college athletics, I wanted to challenge myself further—especially in a system that could utilize my strengths and provide the exposure needed to take my game to the next level.
Ohio State is an iconic program with a track record of developing top-tier talent, and that was a major factor in my decision to transfer. The Buckeyes’ success, combined with their innovative coaching staff, offered me the kind of competitive environment I was looking for. I knew that if I was going to continue growing and eventually pursue a career in professional sports, Ohio State was the best place to be.
2. Coaching and Development
Coaching is one of the most crucial elements of an athlete’s development. It wasn’t that the coaching staff at Tennessee wasn’t skilled—they were. But I felt that the style of coaching and the overall approach to player development was not a perfect fit for me. I needed a coaching philosophy that would challenge me to push beyond my limits and prepare me for the future, both on and off the field.
Ohio State offered exactly that. Coach [Ryan Day] and his staff are known for their commitment to developing players holistically, both athletically and mentally. Their track record with quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and skill position players speaks for itself. I was excited about the possibility of working under a coaching staff that has consistently sent players to the next level, and I knew that they would provide me with the tools and strategies to elevate my game.
3. The College Football Landscape
College football is a highly competitive environment. For me, the level of competition was a major consideration in making the decision to transfer. At Tennessee, I was part of a team that had its ups and downs. We had a lot of talent, but as a program, we weren’t consistently competing at the highest level. This inconsistency made it difficult for me to truly showcase my abilities on a national scale.
In contrast, Ohio State is a perennial contender for national championships. They are constantly in the College Football Playoff conversation and routinely produce NFL-caliber players. The exposure and competitive level of playing for Ohio State means that every game is a chance to make a statement on a national stage. For someone like me, who aspires to play professionally, this was a major draw.
Being in a program like Ohio State would provide me with the chance to compete against the best every single week, which is what every athlete wants. The level of competition would push me to improve daily and become the best version of myself as a player.
4. Academic and Personal Growth
Aside from football, another crucial aspect of my decision to transfer was the academic environment at Ohio State. Academics have always been important to me, and I knew that I needed to be at a school that not only offered a great athletic program but also a strong academic reputation. Ohio State is known for its excellent academic programs, and the resources available to student-athletes are among the best in the country.
In addition to that, Ohio State offers a vibrant campus life that provides a balance to the intense demands of college sports. Being a student-athlete is challenging, and having a strong support system that includes academic tutors, career development programs, and mental health resources is critical. I felt that Ohio State could offer the well-rounded experience that would allow me to continue excelling both on and off the field.
5. Family and Support System
Family is everything to me. My decision wasn’t just about football; it was about what was best for my life, my future, and my family. Ohio State is a place where I felt I could thrive both as a student-athlete and as an individual. My family has always been supportive of my dreams, and they were a big part of the decision-making process. They wanted me to be in an environment where I could grow, not just as a player but as a person.
Being closer to home was also a factor in my decision. While Tennessee was not far from where I grew up, Ohio State offered a fresh environment that still allowed me to stay within reasonable distance of my family, ensuring that they could be present for my games and support me throughout my journey.
6. The Legacy of Ohio State Football
Finally, the history and tradition of Ohio State football cannot be ignored. Ohio State isn’t just another college football team; it’s a program with a rich history, a massive fan base, and a culture of success. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the most dominant teams in college football, with a long list of players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL.
I wanted to be part of that legacy. When I looked at Ohio State, I saw a place where I could make my own mark in a program that demands excellence. I wasn’t just joining any football team—I was joining one of the most prestigious college football programs in history. The chance to be a part of that tradition was a huge motivating factor in my decision.
7. Looking Ahead
Ultimately, my decision to transfer to Ohio State is about pushing myself to be the best I can be. It’s about finding the right environment, the right coaching, and the right team to help me realize my potential. I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. I believe that Ohio State offers me the platform to not only achieve my personal goals but also to contribute to a program that is focused on winning championships.
While leaving Tennessee was difficult, it was the right decision for me. I’ll always be grateful for my time there and the lessons I learned, but I’m ready for this new chapter. I’m ready to embrace the challenge and push myself to new heights. Ohio State is the next step in my journey, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
