Ohio State football just landed the No. 1 DL in the transfer portal – and he’s just one part of the SEC splash the Buckeyes have made
Ohio State just added two former SEC players to its roster via the transfer portal.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have had an active couple of days with the transfer portal.
Ohio State added former Florida State S Earl Little Jr. on Sunday and then added former Duke S Terry Moore early Monday. By Monday evening the Buckeyes are striking again with two more additions for the defense.
Ohio State adds Alabama Crimson Tide duo in the transfer portal
The Buckeyes are back on the board by adding DT James Smith and EDGE Qua Russaw — who come over from Alabama. Two former five-star recruits give the Buckeyes their No. 8 and No. 9 additions from the transfer portal.
Smith is ranked as the No. 7 player in the transfer portal and No. 1 defensive lineman available, via 247 Sports. The Buckeyes’ newest defensive tackle recorded 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles, and 2.5 sacks in 2025. Smith checks in at 6-foot-3 and 297 pounds.
Both players joined Alabama from Montgomery, Alabama out of high school. Russaw recorded one sack in nine games for Alabama in 2025 after being limited by injury. Russaw brings two years of eligibility as a 6-foot-2 pass rusher with 22 games of SEC experience.
The Alabama view on Ohio State’s newest additions
The loss of Smith hurt the Tide because Alabama will have an entirely new 3-down front with his departure for Ohio State. He’s not a full-blown nose-plugging defensive tackle, but someone who holds up well at the point of attack and has a slight degree of pass rush prowess. The Buckeyes shouldn’t be expecting some of Kayden McDonald’s presence in Columbus this season, but Smith is still a solid addition.
Russaw could never find his footing with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he has all the talent in the world to be a dominant pass rusher. He dealt with lower-body injuries for much of the 2025 season, which led to opportunities for other players who took off when afforded them. What’s evident when watching Russaw is his physical presence and first-step explosion. He might not be the bendiest of players, but he has what it takes to be a difference maker in the Big-10.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Ohio State football just started the week by landing its replacement for Caleb Downs out of the transfer portal with a big splash
Ohio State is on the board with its replacement for Caleb Downs.
