Eric Boggs
After 10 days of watching roster pieces exit Columbus, Ohio State finally delivered the type of response its fans had been waiting for. Monday became a turning point in the 2026 roster rebuild as the Buckeyes landed a wave of proven, veteran transfers — many of them fourth-, fifth- and even seventh-year players — who immediately stabilize the depth chart and inject experience into a team that badly needed it. For a program that had been bleeding talent through the portal, this was the kind of day that changes the conversation.
The headliner was former Alabama defensive tackle James Smith, the No. 1 interior defensive lineman and No. 7 overall prospect in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings. Smith chose Ohio State over Georgia, LSU, Missouri and Tennessee, arriving in Columbus with one season of eligibility after his best season at Alabama in 2025. At nearly 300 pounds, Smith brings instant physicality to the heart of the defensive line after starting 12 of 15 games for the Crimson Tide and producing 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. A former five-star recruit and rotational contributor during Nick Saban’s final seasons, Smith now gives Ohio State a legitimate anchor inside, capable of playing either 3-technique or nose guard. His addition, alongside UCF transfer John Walker, reshapes a defensive tackle room that will also feature Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr. and Jason Moore competing for snaps.
Smith wasn’t alone. He committed simultaneously with former Alabama edge rusher Qua Russaw, another elite talent from the 2023 recruiting class. Russaw arrives with two years of eligibility and a rare athletic profile that fits perfectly into Ohio State’s evolving defensive system. His breakout 2024 season at Alabama, where he produced 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions in a hybrid “Wolf” role, showcased his versatility as both an edge defender and coverage player. After an injury-shortened 2025, Russaw now gives the Buckeyes a flexible chess piece that defensive coordinator Matt Patricia can deploy creatively. With Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s NFL decision looming and a young group of ends developing behind him, Russaw’s arrival significantly strengthens the defensive front’s outlook.
The secondary received just as much attention. One day after landing former Florida State safety Earl Little Jr., Ohio State secured another major piece with former Duke standout Terry Moore. Moore, a second-team All-ACC performer in 2024 and one of the nation’s highest-graded safeties that season, returns from a torn ACL with one year of eligibility and a resume that immediately commands respect. His 2024 production — 71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a sack — gives Ohio State a proven playmaker on the back end. Moore’s prior relationship with safeties coach Matt Guerrieri only strengthens the fit. Along with Little and Jaylen McClain, the Buckeyes now possess a veteran safety trio capable of anchoring the defense in 2026.
Offensively, Ohio State added maturity and depth where it was badly needed. Former Maryland quarterback Justyn Martin, a fifth-year senior with an additional year of eligibility expected through a medical waiver, joins the room to stabilize the depth chart behind Julian Sayin. While Sayin remains the clear starter, Martin’s experience from stops at UCLA and Maryland gives Ryan Day the four-scholarship-quarterback structure he prefers and cushions the position after Lincoln Kienholz’s departure.
At tight end, Ohio State secured one of the oldest and most experienced players in college football with Hunter Welcing, a seventh-year senior from Northwestern. After battling injuries early in his career, Welcing finally broke out in 2025 with 28 catches, 296 yards and two touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. He joins Mason Williams as Ohio State’s second portal tight end addition for 2026, creating a deep, veteran-heavy group alongside Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts.
When viewed together, the significance of this day cannot be overstated. After watching a steady stream of departures, Ohio State responded with one of its most impactful transfer hauls in recent memory — not with risky projects, but with seasoned veterans, former blue-chip recruits and proven production. These Ohio State transfer portal additions bring leadership, physical maturity and immediate credibility to a roster that had been trending dangerously young in critical areas.
For Buckeye fans, this was the course correction the program needed. Not just replenishing the roster, but reshaping it with experience, toughness and players who have already survived major college football battles. After 10 days of frustration, Monday finally felt like Ohio State reclaiming control of its future.
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.
