Ohio State’s defensive line is getting plenty of buzz from the newcomers, but the Buckeyes may end up leaning just as hard on the veterans who’ve been in the program from the start.
Alabama transfers Qua Russaw and James Smith have grabbed most of the offseason attention, and for good reason. Both are expected to make an immediate impact for Larry Johnson’s front. Still, there’s a strong case that the foundation of this unit will come from the players who have already grown up inside Ohio State’s system.
That matters because the Buckeyes have been at their best under Ryan Day when the defensive line has taken over games. In 2019, Chase Young put together one of the most dominant pass-rushing seasons in school history, piling up 16.5 sacks despite missing two games. His 30.5 career sacks remain second all-time at Ohio State.
More recently, the formula worked again. In 2024, senior ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer combined for 21.5 sacks, with Tuimoloau finishing at 12.5 and Sawyer at 9, as Ohio State marched to the national championship.
Last season, Caden Curry followed that same path. After spending his career behind Sawyer and Tuimoloau, he finally got his turn and delivered, finishing with 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss.
Now the next wave is in place, with Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. expected to carry a major load in 2026. Jackson posted 11 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2025 while lining up opposite Curry at defensive end. Houston and Smith provided important depth behind Jackson, Curry and Kayden McDonald a year ago.
Jackson, though, looks like the one who could define this group. He’s coming off a big offseason, was named one of Ohio State’s team captains for 2026, and changed his jersey number from #97 to #2. The description that comes with him is hard to miss: he “looks like a monster ready to feast.”
The Buckeyes’ depth up front is expected to be a real asset, with Jackson, Houston and Will Smith Jr. forming the backbone behind the headline transfers. The comparison being drawn is to Ohio State’s 2024 defensive line, a group that helped power the playoff run and national title.
That’s why Jackson remains the name to watch. He still has a chance to grow into the elite pass rusher Ohio State needs, and the season opener against Texas could give him the stage to prove it.
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