Cody Croy
Writer
Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive linemen Qua Russaw and James Smith have announced their commitment to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The pair visited Ohio State together last week. The Buckeyes now have 11 transfer portal additions and 30 departures during this cycle.
Qua Russaw, a redshirt junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. A former 4-star recruit in the class of 2023, Russaw ranks as the No. 48 player in the transfer portal. Russaw will give the Buckeyes a much needed boost following the departures of Caden Curry, CJ Hicks, and Logan George. With Kenyatta Jackson expected to return, the Buckeyes will have a nice cushion of depth to give the defense the spark it needs to be dominant again in 2026.
James Smith, a senior, will have one season of eligibility remaining. Defensive tackle was a crucial need for the Buckeyes following the departure of Kayden McDonald. Smith fills the void left by the projected first-round pick. He joins a defensive tackle group including John Walker, Eddrick Houston, Jason Moore, and more. Smith’s impact doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to take up space and stuff holes will be paramount for Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes defense.
The Buckeyes’ talent at skill positions has never been a question. The trenches however, have been a key point of discussion the past couple of years. The loss to the Miami Hurricanes sparked even more conversations about the state of the offensive and defensive line, and rightfully so. Now, with talent being added and the focus shifting, Ryan Day and his staff will look to approach these positions differently. With a brutal schedule in to be played 2026, having the right guys upfront is a necessity. If not, the Buckeyes may find themselves in unfamiliar territory.
Cody Croy
Writer
Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes have agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Columbus, ending speculation that he could return to the NFL. Patricia, who has been in Columbus for one year, set historic numbers in his first season as defensive coordinator. Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes ultimately fell short […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
Desperation is a stinky cologne, but the Buckeyes are desperate for wins following the loss to Michigan State. Ohio State relied on every ounce of manpower against #15 Michigan State. They have been down a starter in John Mobley Jr for weeks, but without Devin Royal, the game felt like a prayer. Amare Bynum was […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Buckeyes had not lost back-to-back games yet this year coming into tonight. Ohio State started the night in Joe Lunardi’s bracketology as one of the first four out of the 64-team tournament. With Selection Sunday looming and no ranked wins to show for it, the Buckeyes face a must-win scenario. The Buckeyes came out […]
