Ohio State addressed one of the most important roster questions of the 2026 season, landing Florida State safety Earl Little Jr., a proven playmaker and second-team All-ACC selection who projects as the immediate replacement for Caleb Downs.

Little arrives in Columbus after a breakout 2025 season in Tallahassee, where he emerged as the heart of Florida State’s secondary. As a first-year starter for the Seminoles, he led the team with 76 tackles and four interceptions while adding two tackles for loss, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. His impact extended well beyond the box score. According to Pro Football Focus, Little allowed only 14 completions for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets across 342 coverage snaps, numbers that reflect both consistency and reliability in high-volume situations.

Originally a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Little began his career at Alabama, where he saw limited defensive action before transferring to Florida State. After working into the rotation late in 2024, he became the centerpiece of the Seminoles’ secondary in 2025, helping stabilize a program coming off a two-win season and bringing with him the championship mindset he developed in Tuscaloosa. That leadership and experience became especially evident during Florida State’s opening-week win over Alabama.

After briefly declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft in December, Little withdrew his name and entered the transfer portal, choosing Ohio State as his next destination. With Caleb Downs expected to be a top-ten NFL Draft pick, Little steps into a role that demands both elite talent and emotional leadership. He projects as Ohio State’s starting free safety alongside returning strong safety Jaylen McClain, giving the Buckeyes a veteran, battle-tested tandem at the back of the defense. Leroy Roker III remains the only other returning safety with meaningful 2025 experience, making Little’s arrival all the more significant following the portal departures of Faheem Delane and Malik Hartford.

Beyond the numbers, Little brings deep ties to the program and culture. He is the son of former NFL and Miami safety Earl Little and a product of American Heritage School, where he played high school football with current Buckeye wide receiver Brandon Inniss. That familiarity with elite environments and championship expectations makes his transition to Columbus feel both natural and timely.

From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, this is the kind of addition that sustains championship standards. Replacing a player of Caleb Downs’ caliber is no small task, but in Earl Little Jr., the Buckeyes have secured a proven, productive and mentally tough defender who is prepared to anchor the secondary in 2026 and keep Ohio State’s defense among the nation’s best.

For anyone wanting to stay on top of every departure and arrival, The OHIO Podcast has a Transfer Portal Tracker so that no one will miss any players leaving or coming to Ohio State via the transfer portal in 2026. Just click on the Tracker above and you will be taken to the portal hub.