Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia isn't just getting a stud safety in Florida State Seminoles transfer Earl Little Jr. They're getting a trained cornerback, and a guy who can also dabble at the nickelback position.
As CBS Sports' Will Backus writes, Little should find himself wearing many hats in Patricia's defense during the 2026 season in Columbus. Backus stressed the importance of landing Little in the portal after Caleb Downs declared for the NFL draft earlier this month, indicating a likely lion's share of snaps at safety.
"Safety became a big need for Ohio State after Caleb Downs declared for the NFL Draft and Malik Hartford and Faheem Delane entered the transfer portal. The Buckeyes got a tailor-made starter in Little, a former cornerback at Alabama who found tremendous success after transitioning to safety with Florida State. He made plays all over the field for the Seminoles last season while finishing with 76 total tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections. He's also a versatile piece that can move around the secondary as Ohio State needs him," Backus wrote.
ESPN's Tom Luginbill sees Little playing a nearly identical role to Downs in Patricia's defense this upcoming fall.
"Caleb Downs thrived in Matt Patricia's defensive scheme and now ranks as one of the top overall 2026 NFL draft prospects. Little, who played a similar rover role at Florida State, arrives with a lot of the same physical attributes. He's a versatile, physical safety who thrives as an enforcer in the box and led Florida State with 76 tackles. He also has enough range and coverage skills to make plays on the ball, picking off a team-high four passes this season. Patricia's disruptive and complex scheme can be demanding, but Little's experience and skill set will help fill the void of Downs' departure," Luginbill wrote.
Ohio State might not have replenished enough depth at LB
Not only did the Buckeyes add Little to the safety room, but Ohio State signed former Alabama/Utah Utes/TTUN CB Cam Calhoun. Patricia won't be heading into next season without a properly recruited DB group.
It's unclear if that's the case for the linebacker room. Wisconsin Badgers MIKE transfer Christian Alliegro is a solid pash-rusher, but he has an average PFF grade overall. Meanwhile, LB/EDGE Qua Russaw is more potential than production right now.
Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles will be tough to replace. We'll see the level of drop-off in the middle after the LBs buoyed the defense in 2025.