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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes have landed a major coup in the transfer portal, getting Alabama defensive lineman James Smith and edge rusher Qua Russaw, two of the top defenders in the portal.
Ohio State lost to Miami in the College Football Playoffs, a disappointing result given the Buckeyes' favorite status.
More news: LSU, Lane Kiffin Face Late Push From Tennessee After Sam Leavitt Commitment
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However, Day has already turned the age of the season and is looking to make another postseason run in 2026, starting with an upgrade on defense.
Smith was highly courted by top programs across the nation, including Missouri and Notre Dame, though he has decided on Ohio State. Russaw, a veteran of Alabama, was another big name in the portal, and Day managed to convince him to join the Buckeyes.
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Russaw was hurt in 2025, limiting his production to 14 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a sack. In 2024, he had 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, 2 interceptions, and forced a fumble.
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Smith has played in 37 games for Alabama, totaling 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. He was a five-star prospect out of high school, and with one year of college ball left, 2026 will be his last chance to impress NFL scouts.
"James flashes. He’s a very athletic player. He does some really good things. Needs to become more consistent. A number of our guys are the same way, I’m not necessarily singling him out, but there were some plays he particularly left out on the field, a number of our guys left out on the field, and so that’s exciting from a number of ways, because he very productive on a number of plays," Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said.
"But there were also opportunities that we left out there on the field. Those are the things I’d like to continue to see from him and a number of guys on our defense.”
Alabama is a hub for elite talent with explosive athleticism, and if its track record is any indication, Ohio State landed two starters who will provide immediate impact at defensive line and linebacker.
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