Ryan Day has issued a smart challenge to a key Ohio State transfer who has already flashed star ability this spring
Alabama transfer James Smith has flashed for Ohio State this spring, and the staff appears to know what it’s going to take to completely unlock him.
The Ohio State Buckeyes had a big turnover of their roster in the transfer portal this past winter following the 2025 season. On defense especially the Buckeyes needed to try to reload. A player like Alabama transfer DT James Smith was brought in.
Smith has notably already had standout moments in his first and only spring in Columbus with the Buckeyes. The Alabama transfer has big shoes to fill in the middle of the defensive line with Kayden McDonald off to the NFL.
Ohio State’s coaching staff already knows what it needs to do to unlock him, as well.
Ryan Day issues a challenge to Alabama transfer Jame Smith
“James has flashed,” Day stated on Monday. “I think the biggest thing (defensive line coach Larry Johnson) is challenging James with is being able to sustain a high level of play for a long period of time. Being disciplined in the defense (because) plays will come to him. But you can see the talent (and) see how much he loves to play.”
Smith had 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 games played for the Crimson Tide in the 2025 season. The former five-star recruit played in 37 games for Alabama over his first three years in college.
The coaching staff knows Smith can play at a high level at times, but it’s now about doing so consistently. Becoming a more complete player on every snap will be what can take Smith from a late-round draft pick to an early-round guy.
Ohio State brings back Eddrick Houston, who could be the 3-tech alongside Smith. John Walker is a UCF transfer Ohio State brought in from the portal. Will Smith Jr. will be a returning depth piece for the Buckeyes.
The ceiling of the room will be impacted significantly by what Ohio State is able to get from Smith. Early signs are encouraging, but the games are played in the fall for a reason.
