The offseason transfer portal continues to shake up college football’s power balance, and this week, two major names made headlines: former five-star defensive linemen James Smith and Qua Russaw are heading to Ohio State. Both players, originally part of Alabama’s highly touted 2023 recruiting class, were among the top talents available in the portal - and now they’ll be suiting up in Columbus.
For the Buckeyes, this is a major addition to an already strong roster. Smith and Russaw bring elite pedigree and upside, the kind of raw talent that can reshape a defensive front if developed properly. Ohio State is betting big on their potential, and if things click, this could be a game-changing move for a program looking to get back to the top of the national title conversation.
From Georgia’s perspective, there was some buzz - and certainly some hope - that the Bulldogs might be in the mix for the former Crimson Tide duo. Georgia’s defensive line wasn’t quite its usual dominant self this past season, and adding two high-upside players like Smith and Russaw would’ve been a welcome boost. But instead, Kirby Smart and his staff watched both players choose the Buckeyes.
Still, Georgia fans aren’t exactly walking away empty-handed.
While Ohio State landed the two five-star defenders, Georgia held onto the one player they arguably couldn’t afford to lose: running back Nate Frazier. Rumors swirled last week that Frazier might test the portal waters, and if he did, Ohio State was seen as the frontrunner to land him. At one point, there was real confidence in Columbus that Frazier would be wearing scarlet and gray next season.
But that never materialized. Frazier announced earlier this week that he’s staying in Athens, delivering a massive win for the Bulldogs’ offense heading into 2026.
Let’s be clear: losing out on Smith and Russaw stings. You don’t often get the chance to add two former five-star defenders to your roster, and Georgia certainly would’ve welcomed them.
But they weren’t must-haves. Georgia still has depth and talent along the defensive front - the cupboard is far from bare.
Frazier, on the other hand, is a different story. He’s not just a high-potential player - he’s a proven difference-maker.
One of the top running backs in the country, Frazier is the kind of player who can carry an offense, especially in the SEC where physicality in the run game still matters. Keeping him in Athens was a priority, and Georgia got it done.
So while Ohio State celebrates a big win in the portal with the additions of Smith and Russaw, Georgia walks away with the player they needed most. The Buckeyes may have won a battle, but the Bulldogs might have won the one that matters more in the long run.