Ohio State football predicted to land a pair of SEC difference-makers from the transfer portal

Ohio State is really beginning to heat up in the transfer portal, and another pair of additions could be on the way.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Ohio State Buckeyes are heating up with transfer portal additions, and more could be on the way. 

Ohio State landed former Duke S Terry Moore on Monday to start the week, and he’s expected to be a key defender in 2026. The Buckeyes are up to five additions through the portal and aren’t stopping there. 

Ohio State predicted to land SEC duo from Alabama via the transfer portal 

Pete Nakos of On3 has predicted that Ohio State will be the school that lands former Alabama DT James Smith and EDGE Qua Russaw. Smith and Russaw visited Columbus together last week, and they’re expected to transfer to their next school together. 

Smith is a 6-3, 297-pound interior defensive lineman who would start for the Buckeyes next fall if they can land him. The former Bama defender is the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 7 overall player in the transfer portal, according to 247 Sports. 

As a junior, Smith totaled 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss. 2.5 sacks in 15 games. Smith would give Ohio State their second transfer portal addition on the interior of the defensive line — joining former UCF DT John Walker. Smith is set to have one year of eligibility left. 

Russaw was part of Alabama’s pass-rush plan in 2025 and recorded one sack and seven tackles in nine games. Russaw will have two years of eligibility remaining and would be a nice addition to the depth of Ohio State’s pass rush. 

The two players who have been teammates since high school in Montgomery, Alabama, are expected to decide this week where they’ll play next. Ohio State is the school that’s trending right now, and it would be a nice portal win for the Buckeyes. 

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