Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day gave his take on a deep and talented linebacker room for the Buckeyes in 2026.
With the departure of two top 10 draft picks, the Linebacker position is experiencing a reload. “There’s no rebuilding anything around here. So, that’s the standard,” said Ryan Day during his Saturday press conference.
The standard is no different for James Laurinaitis and his unit. How this coaching staff decides to handle the linebacker position will be essential to the defense’s identity this fall.
🗣️ Ryan Day: “There’s no rebuilding anything around here, so that’s the standard.”
Day also said the offense and defense both know they’re expected to be the best in the country, despite the differences from last year. pic.twitter.com/AxtQ5BxxBo
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) August 15, 2026
One theme that has been discussed throughout spring and fall camp is the depth of the LB room. Laurinaitis was keen on his unit being up to five guys deep back in March, sparking the possibility of going with more of a rotation in 2026. “Payton [Pierce] and Christian [Alliegro] have been solid. Another room that we feel like we have in,” said Coach Day.
“I think you’ll see us rotate guys and try to figure out how all those pieces work.”
The other two names mentioned in his presser were TJ Alford and Riley Pettijohn. Both are young but highly talented linebackers that the staff is bullish on.
“…With TJ [Alford] and Riley [Pettijohn], I think those guys are putting in a lot of really good work. They’re doing a good job on special teams, which is only going to lead to them playing on the field,” Ryan Day said.
From where it stands today, it seems these four guys are the mainstays for Ohio State at the linebacker position. Christian Alliegro and Payton Pierce are the projected starters, with Alford and Petitijohn pushing for time. Expect them to play, but more rotationally at first.
Defensive Versatility
On Thursday, Matt Patricia discussed the possibility of playing with three linebackers or five defensive backs, depending on the opponent. Ohio State has depth across the board on defense, which allows them to be multiple and adjust on a weekly basis.
Qua Russaw will be playing a hybrid stand-up linebacker position, but has been working exclusively with Larry Johnson. Both Johnson and Patricia want Russaw to refine his pass-rushing technique heading into the season. With the pass rush somewhat of a question mark beyond Kenyatta Jackson, the staff is looking for players to emerge and generate pressure.
All in all, Ryan Day has been pleased with what he’s seen out of the linebacker room: “They’re making the calls. They’re recognizing and diagnosing the plays quickly. They look good coming off the bus.” Assuming “coming off the bus” refers to their physical attributes, Mick Mariotti has the guys in tip-top shape as well.
If Coach Day’s comments are any indication of the efficacy of the linebacker unit, Ohio State should be in good hands this year. Not only is there ample trust in James Laurinaitis and Matt Patricia, but the vote of confidence from Day is assuredly a good sign.
Join Us for TSB LIVE at DICK’s House of Sport’s Tailgate Takeover
Join us at DICK’s House of Sport in Polaris, OH, on Saturday, August 29, from 12-3 pm for a Tailgate Takeover to kick off football season! TSB LIVE returns for an on-site show with special guests previewing Ohio State’s 2026 season. You do not want to miss this event! Register here
NEXT: Read Bo Jackson Standing Out as Ohio State’s Offensive Line Remains a Work in Progress
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.
Discover more from The Silver Bulletin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.