Ohio State’s Defensive Line Faces a Big Test Without Kayden McDonald
There’s no sugarcoating it - replacing a player like Kayden McDonald is never easy. The 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle was the anchor of Ohio State’s defense in 2025, and his impact went far beyond what showed up on the stat sheet.
Yes, he finished the season with 34 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles - numbers that earned him consensus first-team All-American honors. But if you watched the tape, you saw a guy who consistently disrupted the point of attack, demanded double teams, and made life easier for the playmakers behind him.
When offenses tried to run inside, McDonald was often the first to get a hand on the ball carrier - even if he didn’t make the tackle himself. And when quarterbacks dropped back, he was the one collapsing the pocket from the interior, forcing hurried throws or setting up sacks for his teammates.
That kind of presence is rare. It’s why he left Columbus a year early and is now projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
So, the question now is obvious: how does Ohio State reload up front?
The Buckeyes’ defensive tackle room took a hit from the transfer portal, leaving them with a mix of returning veterans, new transfers, and incoming freshmen trying to fill the massive void McDonald left behind. The returning core includes juniors Eddrick Houston (6-3, 292), Will Smith Jr. (6-4, 292), and Jason Moore (6-6, 303). All three have been in the system, and now it’s their moment to step into bigger roles.
Moore, in particular, is a name to watch. There’s internal optimism around his potential - the talent is there, and if he can stay healthy and on the field, he could be a breakout contributor. Smith Jr. and Houston bring size and experience, and both will be counted on to provide stability in the rotation.
But the Buckeyes didn’t just stand pat. They went shopping in the portal and landed two intriguing additions: James Smith (6-3, 297) from Alabama and John Walker (6-4, 324) from UCF.
Smith spent the last two seasons as a rotational player in a loaded Alabama front, and there’s a sense that he could be poised for a bigger role - maybe even a breakout. Walker, meanwhile, started at UCF and showed he can handle the load as a full-time guy.
He’s big, physical, and could be a plug-and-play option right away.
Then there’s the freshman class. Emanuel Ruffin (6-4, 295) out of Alabama, Damari Simeon (6-3, 275) from New Jersey, and Jamir Perez (6-4, 360) from Cleveland Glenville bring a mix of upside and raw power.
Ruffin and Simeon could find themselves in the rotation if they arrive ready to go - especially with depth being tested. Perez, at 360 pounds, is still developing, but his size makes him an intriguing option for goal-line and short-yardage situations.
He’s a project, sure, but one with serious potential.
The bottom line? Ohio State has options.
They don’t have another Kayden McDonald - few teams ever do - but they’ve got a group that, if it comes together, could keep the Buckeyes strong up front. The mix of returning experience, transfer talent, and young upside gives the coaching staff some flexibility as they look to retool the interior of the defensive line.
McDonald was a game-changer. But in college football, no one sticks around forever. The next wave is up - and it’s their turn to make their mark.