COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State reached out to former Pittsburgh linebacker Rasheem Biles after he entered the transfer portal this offseason, but the Buckeyes’ interest wasn’t enough to convince the Pickerington, Ohio, native to return home. Biles ultimately chose Texas and made it clear that Ohio State was never a serious option for him.
“When I made my list and stuff, I told my mom, ‘Columbus, I ain’t really trying to be in Columbus,’” Biles said. “I ain’t trying to be a Buckeye. They didn’t want me out of high school, and I was right there, so there ain’t no point in trying to get me now.”
Biles’ comments carry extra weight given his background. The 20-year-old grew up in Pickerington, just outside Columbus, and attended Pickerington High School. As a three-star athlete, he played multiple positions, including wide receiver, running back, defensive back and linebacker, while receiving 15 scholarship offers. Ohio State, however, was not among the programs to offer him.
Since choosing Pitt, Biles has developed into one of the ACC’s top linebackers. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 183 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 13 passes defended, three interceptions—all returned for touchdowns—three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a scoop-and-score. His production earned him second-team All-ACC honors in 2024 before he moved up to the first team in 2025.
Now at Texas, Biles is aiming to build on that success and push himself into the All-American conversation. Interestingly, he won’t have to wait long for another opportunity to cross paths with the program that passed on him in high school. Texas is scheduled to face Ohio State on Sept. 12, 2026.
With the highly anticipated matchup already carrying plenty of significance, Biles’ history with the Buckeyes adds another compelling storyline to what should be one of the most intriguing games of the season.
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