The Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive line has a pretty consistent theme between the tackles and the edge-rushers: both will be buoyed by a projected star, while the other three will rotate heavily. All four players will rotate in and out at DE and DT. That is by OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson's design.
The stars will be Kenyatta Jackson Jr. at EDGE and Edrick Houston at the defensive tackle spot. Beau Atkinson, Qua Russaw, and Zion Grady will be the other DEs, while the tackle spot will see John Walker, James Smith, and Will Smith Jr. rotate in.
Per Bucknuts' Patrick Murphy, "While Atkinson may start the opening game, defensive line coach Larry Johnson wants to rotate and has options. Sophomore Zion Grady flashed his potential with two tackles for loss and one sack in limited action last season. Alabama transfer Qua Russaw recorded 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher role over the last two seasons with the Crimson Tide. ... Like at defensive end, Johnson will rotate at defensive tackle, with James Smith and Will Smith Jr. expected to see plenty of playing time as well. The Scarlet and Gray should have a four-man rotation on the interior of the defensive line, meaning the starters could change from week to week."
Big names like Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, and Tywone Malone are off the roster via the 2026 NFL draft, and Trajen Odom, Maxwell Roy, and Dominic Kirks all left in the portal. There are obvious questions about the line replacing them. Truth be told, that group was good, but not necessarily great. Ohio State ranked No. 62 in TFLs during the 2025 season. Their 35 sacks were No. 21 in the country, but still only No. 3 in the Big Ten. There's room for improvement.
If that improvement comes, it looks like it'll come as a collective effort. There are opportunities for all the two-deeps on the line this fall. That makes Johnson and Matt Patricia's lives easier if everyone knows their coverage.
Ohio State's defensive line could stabilize a great unit that must grow together
The beauty of the Buckeyes' defensive line is that the potential is endless. There are several options who we slept on who could prove themselves as NFL-caliber stars. At some positions, not knowing the starter is scary. But having this many violent guys who make opposing backfields quiver is a very good thing.
The secondary should be elite, but there are questions about how much was lost at the linebacker position. Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles are very difficult to replace. Those were generational talents who accounted for 164 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, and had an average PFF run-defense grade of 87.3 between the two.
If the defensive line could handle its business, the rest may well sort itself out. Confidence is key at this level, and once guys like Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro settle into their roles, Patricia and Co. should have an elite defense once again.
With depth to withstand an injury, the DL shouldn't miss a beat at either position.
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