Have Steele Chambers and Palaie Gaoteote IV joined Ohio State footballs linebacker corps?
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A social media post Monday night is the most official word so far that Ohio State footballs linebacker corps has two new members. Both former running back Steele Chambers and USC transfer Palaie Gaoteote were included in a series of photos from a gathering of the linebackers posted by the OSU football Twitter account. Gaoteote has been listed in the OSU student directory for a few weeks but has not made an announcement about his transfer destination or been confirmed as a member by the team. Lettermen Row reported Monday the former five-star prospect still needed to go through the NCAA waiver process to be eligible to play this fall. The NCAA approved immediate eligibility for first-time transfers in April, as long as that player left their previous school academically eligible, informed their school of the transfer by July 1 and certified in writing they did not have contact with their new school prior to entering the transfer portal. The new school  Ohio State in this case  could also have its own academic or compliance issues that need to be hashed out before a transfer is official. Gaoteote was the top-rated linebacker in the 2018 class per the 247Sports national composite. He recorded 105 tackles (7.5 for loss) and two sacks over three injury marred years at USC. Chambers potential move to linebacker has long been rumored. However, he remained a running back by all appearances through spring practice. OSU running backs coach Tony Alford on March 23 shot down that speculation, saying he had not discussed that with Chambers family or coach Ryan Day. Yet Chambers was seen working with linebackers at one of OSUs day camps last month. The 6-1, 220-pound Chambers averaged 7.89 yards over 21 carries across his first two seasons. The abundance of depth at running back, though, assured someone would be left out. It remains to be seen whether Chambers has a more direct route to playing time at linebacker, though a fit at the hybrid bullet position might make the most sense. Ohio States three 2020 starters  Pete Werner, Tuf Borland and Baron Browning  and top reserve Justin Hilliard all moved on to professional opportunities. That left the door open for a handful of veterans and unproven young players to step up and remake the corps. However, the Buckeyes also ended the spring uncertain of their depth. Mitchell Melton suffered a long-term injury during the spring and senior Dallas Gant and redshirt freshman Kourt Williams  a safety expected to play Bullet  were also limited. Fields Bears jersey: Ohio State football fans can purchase Justin Fields new Chicago Bears jersey here. Its available in white, blue and orange  and in mens, womens and youth sizes. Theres also a cheaper T-shirt option. Hey, Buckeye Talk  Oregon WR Johnny Johnson: Buckeyes best opponents, No. 17  Liddell returning to Buckeyes, withdrawing from NBA Draft  Minnesota DE Boye Mafe: Buckeyes best opponents, No.