The dust is finally settling in Columbus. Honestly, if you blinked over the last week, you probably missed three decommitments and four new transfer additions. It’s been that kind of month for Ryan Day. As of January 17, 2026, the winter transfer portal window has officially slammed shut, and the roster for the 2026 season looks nothing like the one that walked off the field after that frustrating Cotton Bowl loss.
We’re talking about a massive overhaul. Out of 91 scholarship players from the 2025 roster, 47 are gone. That’s more than half the team. You've got 31 portal departures, five guys bolting early for the NFL, and the usual graduation churn. It’s basically a "New Year, New Me" vibe, but with millions of NIL dollars and playoff expectations on the line.
The Bama-to-Buckeye Pipeline is Real
The biggest story in the latest Ohio State recruiting news is undoubtedly the defensive influx from Tuscaloosa. It’s kinda wild to see, but the Buckeyes have essentially turned Alabama into their personal minor league system this cycle.
Earlier this week, the Buckeyes landed two massive commitments from former Crimson Tide standouts: Qua Russaw and James Smith. These two aren't just depth pieces; they were high school teammates and high-profile recruits who were expected to be the future of the Bama defense. Landing them both is a monstrous win for Matt Patricia and the defensive staff.
- James Smith (DL): A 6-foot-4, 300-pound wrecking ball. He’s got 37 games of SEC experience under his belt and immediately fixes the depth issues on the interior.
- Qua Russaw (EDGE): He’ll likely step right into a starting role opposite a returning veteran.
Speaking of returning veterans, the best news didn’t even come from a new recruit. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is coming back for a fifth season. He could’ve easily been a Day 2 NFL draft pick after his 6.5-sack performance in 2025, but he’s staying in school. With Caden Curry gone, Jackson is the undisputed alpha of that pass rush now.
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Why Everyone is Panicking About Wide Receivers
If you’ve been on the message boards lately, you know the vibes are... let's say "tense" regarding the receiver room. Losing Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham to the portal stung. Porter was a five-star guy, and seeing that kind of talent walk out the door makes people nervous.
But let's be real for a second. The Buckeyes still have Jeremiah Smith. And more importantly, they just officially signed Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class. Jeremiah Smith actually helped recruit Henry, which is a scary thought for the rest of the Big Ten.
The staff also grabbed Kyle Parker (LSU) and Devin McCuin (Ole Miss) from the portal to bridge the gap. Are they Marvin Harrison Jr.? No. But they provide the veteran floor this room desperately needs while the freshmen find their footing.
A New Leg in Town
One move that didn't get enough love: the commitment of Connor Hawkins. He’s a transfer kicker from Baylor who was a perfect 37-of-37 on extra points last year. Ohio State hasn't had a kicker hit from 50+ yards reliably since 2019. Hawkins was 3-of-4 from that range last season. In a world where Big Ten games are won 16-13 in the snow, that’s a massive upgrade.
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The 2026 Class: Who’s Actually In?
The early signing period in December gave us a pretty clear picture of the freshman class. While the Buckeyes lost some guys—like tight end Corbyn Fordham, who flipped to Florida State—they still finished with a top-10 class.
The 2026 haul is heavy on the trenches.
- Sam Greer (OT): A massive human from Akron who is the future of the left tackle spot.
- Maxwell Riley (OT): Another local product who should compete for snaps early.
- Khary Wilder (DL): A four-star guy out of California who chose OSU over Alabama and UCLA.
There was some drama with Luke Fahey, the QB commit from Mission Viejo. A few schools tried to make a run at him late, but he’s locked in. He isn't the highest-rated guy at No. 630 nationally, but the staff loves his "it" factor. Honestly, with the way the portal works now, you just need a guy who can distribute to the five-stars on the outside.
Looking Ahead to 2027
It feels weird to talk about 2027 when the 2026 roster is still being finalized, but the Buckeyes are already sitting at No. 3 in those rankings. They have eight commits already, headlined by Jamier Brown, a five-star burner from Wayne High School. Even with some coaching staff turnover, the in-state recruiting hasn't missed a beat.
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They also have Brady Edmunds, a four-star QB from California, who has been committed for over a year. Keeping a kid from the West Coast committed for two years is a tall task, but so far, he’s solid.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the latest Ohio State recruiting news, here is what you actually need to watch over the next few weeks as the team moves into winter workouts:
- Watch the Safety Battle: With Earl Little Jr. (Florida State/Alabama) coming in, the secondary is crowded. He recorded 76 tackles last year and is expected to start. Whether he plays the "Caleb Downs" role or slots into the nickel will determine how the rest of the defensive backs rotate.
- Running Back Depth: With the addition of Ja'Kobi Jackson, a seventh-year senior from Florida, the Buckeyes have a weird mix of "very old" and "very young" in the backfield. Watch how Bo Jackson (no relation to the legend) handles the bulk of the carries in spring ball.
- The Post-Portal Lull: The window is closed for players to enter, but teams can still sign guys who are already in. Don't be surprised if Day adds one more veteran offensive lineman if the right name pops up.
The 2026 roster is essentially a "Frankenstein" team—built from elite high school signees and a heavy dose of SEC transfers. It’s a risky way to build, but in the current era of college football, it’s the only way to keep pace with the elite.