In a significant boost to their upcoming season, the Ohio State Buckeyes have successfully recruited two formidable defensive players, James Smith and Qua Russaw, both former Alabama stars. Their arrival is poised to fortify the Buckeyes' defense as they set their sights on a national championship, building on a season that saw them ranked first nationally before a late downturn.
Buckeyes Bolster Defense with Marquee Transfers
In a crucial move for the Ohio State Buckeyes' football program, the team officially announced the acquisition of two highly sought-after defensive players from the transfer portal: defensive lineman James Smith and edge rusher Qua Russaw. Both athletes, previously with the Alabama Crimson Tide, confirmed their commitments on their respective social media platforms on a recent Monday evening.
Smith and Russaw, who were both lauded as five-star recruits during their high school careers, bring significant talent to Columbus. Although their production at Alabama didn't fully reflect their high school rankings, their potential remains immense. Smith, a rising senior, recorded 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 15 games during the last season. Russaw, entering his junior year, contributed 14 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack across nine games in 2025. According to ESPN, Smith is ranked 30th and Russaw 38th among players in the transfer portal.
This strategic recruitment comes at a pivotal time for Ohio State, a team that concluded the regular season as the nation's top-ranked squad but faced setbacks with losses in the Big Ten Championship to Indiana and the College Football Playoff to Miami. Despite these disappointments, the Buckeyes are widely projected to be a top-five team next season, positioning themselves as strong contenders for their second national championship in three years. The addition of Smith and Russaw is expected to be a key factor in strengthening their defensive capabilities and their pursuit of championship glory.
The arrival of Smith and Russaw underscores the dynamic nature of college football and the increasing importance of the transfer portal in shaping team rosters. For Ohio State, these additions represent not just an influx of talent, but a clear statement of intent for the upcoming season, signaling their determination to compete at the highest level and reclaim their position as national title contenders.