James Smith Archives

Which Buckeyes Could Step Up as Pass Rushers for Ohio State?

Image Credit: Justin Cohen Photography/The Silver Bulletin

September 15, 2026

Ohio State’s defense struggled mightily to rush the passer against Texas, which contributed to a back-breaking loss and future worries. Leading up to the season, the Buckeye defensive line couldn’t identify a true second option off the edge. The lack of standout play in camp raised concerns, especially with the showdown against Texas looming early in the season. Lone Star Letdown Of players who saw 10+ snaps against Texas, the…

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Buckeye Football: Ohio State’s Defensive Depth Chart Predictions for 2026 Season

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia fist bumps linebacker Garrett Stover (23) during the first day of spring workouts for the 2026 football season at Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

August 31, 2026

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Here’s a prediction for the Ohio State depth chart on defense as Matt Patricia replaces seven starters as we enter game week. The blend of depth and young talent on Matt Patricia’s defense has me and the coaching staff optimistic. Patricia’s ability to hand-pick more of his own players lends credence to the potential of this unit as well. Coming from the “do your job” school of Bill Belichick, this…

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Ohio State Football: Expectations Remain High Despite Difficult Schedule and 51 New Players

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026. - Brandon Little, AZSPORTS

July 6, 2026

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The Ohio State football team has 51 new faces on the roster, a gauntlet schedule, and massive expectations looming. Ryan Day and his staff face both challenges and opportunities. Ohio State led the country with 11 draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft, with eight of those picks coming in rounds 1-3. In the past two years alone, OSU has had 25 players selected in the draft, along with a…

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Ohio State Football: How the Buckeyes Manage and Replace Defensive Talent

Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia talks to cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. during the spring game. (Photo: Adam Cairns, USA TODAY Sports)

May 30, 2026

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Ohio State’s defensive staff faces the challenge of replacing seven NFL draft picks from a historic defense. In 2025, Ohio State boasted a defense that stood out in a program already rich in defensive history. At the year’s end, they led the nation in Scoring Defense (9.3 PPG), Passing Defense (129.7 YPG), and Total Defense by allowing just 219 total yards per game- 35 less than any other unit in…

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Ohio State Football: How James Smith and Qua Russaw will Bolster Defensive Line

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle James Smith (3) warms up during the first day of spring workouts for the 2026 football season at Woody Hayes Athletic Complex in Columbus on March 10, 2026. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch

April 10, 2026

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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…

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Two Minute Drill: Get to Know DL James Smith; What We Learned From Ohio State DC Matt Patricia

Ohio State DC Matt Patricia | Image Credit: Blake Biscardi/The Silver Bulletin

March 26, 2026

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Two Minute Drill: Get to know transfer DL James Smith and his decision to come to Ohio State, and find out what we learned from Matt Patricia. The Silver Bulletin’s Blake Biscardi recaps Matt Patricia’s remarks from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and then gives insights into transfer DL James Smith, who also met with the media on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Finally, he provides updates on Ohio State’s 2026…

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Ohio State Football: What to Watch for in Spring Football for the Buckeyes

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith in the Cotton Bowl against Miami | Image Credit: The Ohio State University Department of Athletics

March 9, 2026

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Ohio State opens Spring ball on Tuesday, turning the page to the 2026 season with transfer portal and recruiting additions as well as key returnees. The 2025 season did not end on a good note for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they lost their final two games: the Big Ten Championship, 13-10, to Indiana, and the Cotton Bowl Classic against Miami. The Buckeyes also found themselves in the midst of…

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