Ryan Day and Ohio State are looking for pass rushers to emerge on the defensive line. Here are three names to watch. 

Larry Johnson’s unit is always a topic of conversation considering the talent he has acquired and developed throughout his tenure in Columbus. After adding three players from the portal and returning guys like Kenyatta Jackson Jr, Eddrick Houston, Beau Atkinson, and Epi Sitanilei, the pool of talent is deep.

Johnson’s room also comes with an array of skill sets. Kenyatta is able to use his strength and length for leverage, alongside having exceptional burst for his size. Although he will be playing on the inside plenty, Eddrick Houston has seemed to hit his stride in camp this year and has become a force to be reckoned with, able to collapse the pocket with his sheer strength and athleticism.

Ryan Day said they feel almost “2-3 deep” at every position on the defensive line. “We want to continue to see guys emerge as starters, but I think that’s the good thing. There’s been bright spots across the board,” Day continued.

Kenyatta Jackson was voted a Team Captain on Saturday by his teammates and will anchor the defensive line. On the note of Day looking for players to emerge on the edge as pass rushers, here are three names to watch.

Beau Atkinson

Then comes a pool of guys who are vying for the spot opposite Kenyatta Jackson on the line. Beau Atkinson returns after an underwhelming 2025 season. Although last year’s results weren’t up to par, the potential is there considering he racked up 7.5 sacks and 12 TFL with UNC in 2024.

Beau himself recognizes this and made sure to give himself the best chance of making an impact this fall. “I definitely feel a lot more confident using my hands in the pass rush game and being able to get off the ball.” Atkinson told reporters last week, “I made a plan for myself for everything, so I’d be out here doing extra work every single day.”

Senior captain Kenyatta Jackson has recognized Beau’s efforts as well, saying, “He put the work in behind the scenes, for sure. Coach [Larry] Johnson told him he needed to be more flexible, and he worked on that in the training room. He put the work in after practice each and every day.”

Beau’s work ethic and effort can’t be understated. However, after a season in which he recorded just one sack, the results will have to speak for themselves this fall.

Watch Beau Atkinson’s availability from last week:

Qua Russaw

Qua Russaw will fill a unique but important role on the Buckeye defense, playing the hybrid edge position. Most recently occupied by Arvell Reese, this spot is prime for production. Russaw has also been working almost exclusively with Coach Johnson and the edge rushers to refine his pass rush.

Russaw possesses the bend and athleticism to become an effective edge rusher. Due to the nature of his position, though, he won’t necessarily have the same number of opportunities as other guys on the line. With that being said, Larry Johnson’s conducting ability should give Russaw the best chance at maximizing his potential.

Epi Sitanilei

Another guy who has shown plenty of potential is true sophomore Epi Sitanilei. The Los Angeles native comes into the fall having packed on size for the 2026 season. “He’s getting stronger. He came in as more of a finesse guy, but he put on weight, he got stronger in the weight room, and that power is showing on the field,” said Kenyatta Jackson on Epi’s progress this offseason.

In the class of 2025, Epi was the second-highest-rated edge recruit in the state of California. Under the tutelage of Larry Johnson, he undoubtedly possesses the ability to make an impact in his second year in Columbus.

Ohio State’s defensive line is full of potential. If history repeats itself, Matt Patricia will find a way to utilize and unlock the potential of his unit. “Our defense, it’s simple,” said Kenyatta Jackson. “It may seem difficult to other people, but in-house it’s really simple. So, I don’t think anybody had a difficult time learning a new role.” Kenyatta went on to credit Patricia’s NFL experience as a key to his effectiveness and communication with the defense.

Judging by the confidence the players have in their coaches and one another, the rush men and the rest of the Silver Bullets are primed for another standout year. However, as Ryan Day stated in his recent presser, this team is in a race against time.

Watch Ryan Day’s Full Press Conference:

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 Leadership Could Be Ohio State’s Secret Weapon in 2026