The Buckeye Brigade: Ohio State's Transfer Talent and NFL Prospects
The world of college football is abuzz with the latest rankings and transfers, and Ohio State is making headlines. ESPN's Max Olson has ranked four Buckeyes among the top 100 transfers for the 2026 season, while The Athletic's Dane Brugler has high praise for wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a potential top NFL draft pick in 2027.
Transfer Market Buzz
Let's start with the transfers. Ohio State is bolstering its roster with some impressive talent, including defensive tackle James Smith, defensive end Qua Russaw, and safeties Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore. These players are not just filling spots; they bring a wealth of experience and potential to the Buckeyes' defense.
James Smith, a former Alabama standout, is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His ability to hold his ground and disrupt offensive plays is remarkable. Alongside UCF transfer John Walker, he could be the answer to replacing Kayden McDonald, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Qua Russaw, another Alabama product, is an athletic marvel. Despite injury concerns, his versatility and natural talent make him a valuable asset. He can excel against the run, in coverage, or as a pass rusher. With his former high school and college teammate James Smith, they form a dynamic duo that could solidify Ohio State's defense.
Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore, both safeties, bring veteran presence and playmaking ability. Little, a former Florida State standout, demonstrated his versatility as a hybrid safety/linebacker, earning second-team All-ACC recognition. Moore, a former Duke player, has the physical traits and instincts to excel at the safety position. With All-Big Ten starter Jaylen McClain, this trio of safeties could be a formidable force in the Buckeyes' secondary.
These transfers address a significant challenge for Ohio State: replacing eight defensive starters, including NFL draft picks. The talent and experience they bring could help maintain the Buckeyes' elite defensive status under the guidance of Matt Patricia and his veteran coaching staff.
Jeremiah Smith: The Total Package
Now, let's shift our focus to Jeremiah Smith, the wide receiver sensation. Brugler's assessment is spot-on: Smith is the total package. His combination of size, speed, and physicality is exceptional, and he has the work ethic to match. What sets him apart is his ability to dominate in various ways, whether it's defeating press coverage, accelerating past defenders, or making acrobatic catches.
Smith's route-running is above average, but there's room for improvement. He can sometimes be slightly stiff in his transitions, giving defenders a brief moment to recover. However, his overall skill set is so impressive that even minor refinements could elevate him to an even higher level.
The hype around Smith is justified. He has produced an incredible 27 receiving touchdowns in his first two seasons, a feat only surpassed by Davante Adams in the last 15 years. Scouts are already drawing comparisons to NFL greats like Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. If Smith continues to develop and adds more explosiveness after the catch, he could become an unstoppable force in the NFL.
The Buckeye Legacy
It's worth noting that despite Ohio State's recent dominance, with a 285-52 record since 2000, no Buckeyes made Joel Klatt's All-21st Century College Football Team. This is a testament to the high standards and fierce competition in college football. However, with the current crop of talent and a strong coaching staff, Ohio State is well-positioned to continue its success and produce more NFL-caliber players.
In the world of college football, where transfers and prospects dominate the headlines, Ohio State is making its mark. The Buckeyes' ability to attract top talent and develop them into NFL-ready players is a testament to their program's strength. As we look ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, Ohio State is poised to remain a force to be reckoned with, both on the field and in the draft.
