Ryan Day and Matt Patricia utilized the transfer portal the bring in Alabama tandem James Smith and Qua Russaw to bolster the defensive line. 

This past January, the Buckeyes hit the portal hard in search of experienced talent to reload a defense that will have a plethora of names announced early in the NFL draft. When evaluating any roster, there’s one position group that will always be prioritized above the others on the defensive line.

Winning in the trenches, especially as a title contender, is and always will be paramount. With former Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald included in the names that will be called on April 23, Ohio State’s staff had their work cut out for them to replenish their depth on the line.

As with any defensive line, there needs to be an anchor in the middle who eats up blocks, closes gaps, and creates space for linebackers to be able to make plays. Kayden McDonald filled that role in 2025 and did an outstanding job, so much so that he earned a mid-first-round draft grade from multiple evaluators. There’s no way around the fact that Ohio State’s staff has its work cut out for it in trying to replace this kind of production. This is where Alabama transfer James Smith comes into the fold.

The 6’6′ 297 defensive tackle started twelve games, logging 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his third year with the Crimson Tide in 2025. James was a key cog in Alabama’s defense, and the raw talent has been evident, as Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said last fall, “James is such an explosive player… [I’m] excited about him.”

“With his frame and noted explosiveness, it’s clear why the Ohio State staff was eager to get their hands on him and allow the genius of Larry Johnson to propel Smith to the next level. The staff has already been challenging him in spring practice as well, “James has flashed. I think the biggest thing (Larry Johnson) is challenging James with is being able to sustain a high level of play for a long period of time and being disciplined in the defense. The plays will come to him. But you can see the talent. You can see how much he loves to play,” Ryan Day said of James Smith.

James Smith on his decision to transfer from Alabama to Ohio State:

🗣️ “When I came to visit it felt like [Nick Saban’s Alabama]…The intensity is different. Everything is so intentional.” pic.twitter.com/xExXRpAlTG

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) March 26, 2026

The story with the D-line transfers Ohio State acquired this year has another layer to it, however. James Smith came from Alabama alongside another talented transfer prospect in Qua Russaw. Russaw, an edge defender and “wolf” linebacker with the Tide, attended the same high school (Carver HS) and was in the same graduating class (2023) as James Smith in Montgomery, Alabama.

Both would, of course, end up committed to Alabama and be freshmen during Nick Saban’s final season. Smith would see action in 9 games for the Tide that year, while Russaw took a redshirt. In 2024, both saw action in every game for Alabama, as Qua put together his most complete season to date.

Russaw compiled 36 tackles, 2.5 TFL, one sack, and a pair of interceptions. In 2025, he was hampered by a broken foot and appeared in only 9 games, making it back just in time for Alabama’s Rose Bowl loss to Indiana. Crimson Tide DC Kane Wommack is also on record praising Russaw, calling him a special talent and crediting his ability to use his physicality.

Ultimately, after three years in Tuscaloosa, the duo of Smith and Russaw decided they needed a change of scenery. As they have since they were kids, they stuck by each other’s side, and lucky for Buckeye fans, they landed in Columbus. It is ever apparent that the Buckeyes have added two exceptionally talented and gifted pieces to wield on the defensive line.

Last but not least, however, is UCF transfer John Walker. Walker was a very productive player for the Knights. Although he missed 2024 due to knee surgery, in two healthy seasons, John amassed 64 tackles and 8.0 TFL. With a 6’6′ 324 lbs frame, he will be essential in controlling the run game and giving the aforementioned James Smith opportunities to make more plays in the backfield. Not to mention, the depth Walker will provide is essential to keeping this line healthy and relentless throughout what will certainly be a gauntlet of a schedule for the Buckeyes.

All in all, Ryan Day and his staff did an exceptional job in not just replacing but adding talent to their defense line. Shuffling in these athletes, along with the likes of Eddrick Houston, Zion Grady, Kenyatta Jackson, and others, gives Ohio State a chance to dominate the line of scrimmage against any given opponent. In a year that will test the Buckeyes on many levels, it will be invaluable to lean on their line in key situations.