On May 1, 2025, Grant Mills, a young long snapper with big dreams, shared some life-changing news with the world: he’s transferring to Ohio State. With a simple post on social media—“BUCKEYE BOUND @OhioStateFB @ryandaytime @theGunnerDaniel”—the Charlotte, North Carolina, native set Buckeye Nation buzzing. For Mills, this move isn’t just about football; it’s about chasing a chance to grow, compete, and leave his mark on one of college football’s grandest stages. Here’s the story of Grant Mills, a kid from Carolina who’s ready to call Columbus home.

From Charlotte, Grant Mills was just another high school football enthusiast. At Providence High School, he was a long snapper—a job that doesn't grab headlines but that wins or loses a game. Mills wasn't flashy, but he was great. Exceptionally great. Some recruiting services ranked him a five-star long snapper, praising his accuracy and poise under pressure. By his fourth year, he'd attracted the notice of his home-state University of North Carolina.

In June 2023, UNC invited Mills to be a preferred walk-on, and he jumped at it. For a Charlotte boy, to play for the Tar Heels was the dream. He packed his bags, headed for Chapel Hill, and joined the team for the 2024 season. Arriving as a reserve long snapper, Mills had minimal game experience but absorbed every second of it—practicing with the team, learning the way, and getting a sense of big-time college football.

Mills was at a fork in the road after his first year at UNC. He loved his Tar Heel experience, but something was beckoning him to jump at something bigger. During the 2025 spring semester, he entered the transfer portal without knowing where he would land but ready for the next adventure. That is when Ohio State picked up the phone. The Buckeyes, following a national title and a roster full of depth, needed depth at the long snapper position. For Mills, it was too good to pass up.

On May 1, he signed it, committing to Ohio State on a walk-on basis. Buckeyes got the word out on social media, and sites like Eleven Warriors and Bucknuts reported the news. Mills was not the only Tar Heel making the switch—defensive end Beau Atkinson signed last week with OSU—but for Mills, it was personal. He was entering a program in which everything matters, from the spotlight players to the players such as him who work behind the scenes.

So, why leave the comfort of home for the pressure cooker of Columbus? For starters, Ohio State is Ohio State. The Buckeyes are coming off a 2024 national title, sent 14 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, and are gunning for another championship. For a young player like Mills, it’s a chance to test himself against the best and learn from a coaching staff that obsesses over every facet of the game.

The fit also made sense. Ohio State’s special teams unit, led by head coach Ryan Day and coordinator Parker Fleming, is known for its precision. But with walk-on long snapper Morrow Evans hitting the transfer portal in spring 2025, the Buckeyes needed someone to back up starter John Ferlmann. Mills, with four years of eligibility left, was the perfect addition. He’d get to learn from Ferlmann, a reliable veteran who transferred from Arizona State in 2023, while competing for a bigger role down the road.

Let’s be real: long snappers don’t get the glory. But when a punt sails cleanly or a field goal splits the uprights, it’s guys like Mills making it happen. His arrival gives Ohio State peace of mind as they head into 2025. With Ferlmann handling starting duties, Mills will be the safety net, ready to step in if needed. And with Ferlmann’s eligibility running out after this season, Mills has a clear path to compete for the starting job in 2026.

As a walk-on, Mills won’t count against Ohio State’s scholarship limit, which is a smart move for a team managing a roster full of stars. But don’t let the “walk-on” label fool you—Mills has the skills to make an impact. He’s got four years to grow, learn, and maybe even earn a scholarship, just like other specialists who’ve thrived at OSU. For a team chasing another national title, having a guy like Mills in the wings is a quiet but crucial win.

For Grant Mills, transferring to Ohio State is about more than just football. It’s about betting on himself. Leaving UNC wasn’t easy—Chapel Hill was home, and the Tar Heels gave him his first shot. But Mills saw a chance to join a program where the spotlight shines brighter, the stakes are higher, and the brotherhood runs deep. He’s not here for fame or headlines; he’s here to work, to contribute, and to be part of something special.

Buckeye fans, known for their passion, are already welcoming him with open arms. As Mills settles into life in Columbus, he’s got a chance to carve out his own story. Maybe it’s a perfect snap in a clutch moment. Maybe it’s stepping up as a leader in the years ahead. Whatever it is, Mills is ready to make the most of it.

As Ohio State gears up for 2025, Grant Mills is one piece of a bigger puzzle. The Buckeyes are reloading with transfers like Beau Atkinson and Justin Terry, all while leaning on returning stars to keep the momentum going. Mills’ story reminds us that every player matters—from the Heisman hopefuls to the long snapper grinding behind the scenes.

For now, Mills is just a kid from Charlotte chasing a dream in scarlet and gray. But in a program like Ohio State’s, where every snap counts, he’s got a chance to be so much more. Buckeye Nation can’t wait to see what he does next.