Ohio State linebacker Christian Alliegro faces the challenge of replacing elite draft picks and leading a defense in his first year with the Buckeyes.
When Ohio State played Wisconsin in 2025, a Badgers defender wore an arm cast for most of the game. Somehow, the linebacker was still arguably the most productive player on the field for Wisconsin that day. That player was standout linebacker Christian Alliegro.
The Avon, Connecticut product racked up 119 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6 sacks in his two seasons as a starter for Wisconsin. With a 6-foot-4-and-245-pound frame, Alliegro moves exceptionally well, which leads to Christian becoming a factor in both the backfield and pass rush off the edge. Considering how the edge rush situation has developed apart from Kenyatta Jackson, this aspect of his game may be essential for Matt Patricia and his new defense.
James Laurinaitis spoke highly of the tape he saw of Alliegro against both Ohio State and Alabama. From both his tape and his numbers, it’s evident that Alliegro possesses the ability to be a ballhawk and diagnose plays quickly, which is something that Laurinaitis himself was elite at doing at both the college and NFL level.
Christian Alliegro on the versatility and strength of the linebacker room:
🗣️ “Strong, fast, and aggressive. I think we have multiple different players that can play multiple different positions.” pic.twitter.com/JdxqRLio0r
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) August 20, 2026
It will be invaluable for Laurinaitis to have a reliable signal-caller who can sustain cohesion in an uber-talented, deep linebacker room. Toughness, football IQ, and versatility make Alliegro an essential chess piece for Patricia as he assembles a defense he’s now had a hand in developing and acquiring.
When filling the shoes of two of the most athletic and explosive linebackers in Ohio State history (Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles), the pressure is certainly going to mount on Alliegro and the rest of his unit to sustain the expectations. Alliegro will line up alongside Payton Pierce, who he called “the man in the middle” on Thursday.
Behind the two expected starters will be Riley Pettitjohn and TJ Alford, likely on the depth chart, respectively. The two young players are extremely versatile and allow the Buckeyes to use them in different packages. Nevertheless, Alliegro mentioned that he’s ready to get on the field and feels the quickest and most powerful he’s felt in his career.
The silver bullets have a golden opportunity ahead in Week 2 in Austin, Texas, against a prolific play-caller in Steve Sarkisian and dual-threat QB in Arch Manning. Coupled with the comments made by Columbus native and now Texas LB, Rasheed Biles, Alliegro will have ample opportunity to prove his worth on September 12th.
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NEXT: Read Julian Sayin Has Become a Different Quarterback This Fall
Grant Kincaid was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Dayton. He serves as Creative Director and basketball contributor at The Silver Bulletin. At one point, Grant, a collegiate baseball player, also holds a B.A. in Management and Leadership Studies. Aside from the Buckeyes, he is an avid supporter of both the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. His favorite Buckeyes include Braxton Miller, AJ Hawk, and Ted Ginn Jr.
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