Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Eddrick Houston needs to turn potential into elite production during the 2026 College Football season. If he does, Land-Grant Holy Land's Cole Van Wiechen believes Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and the entire defense, though Jackson was particularly named, will thrive.
As Van Wiechen notes, the Buckeyes' defense is heavily predicated on stopping the run without blitzing too much, relying on the chaos each player causes in his zone in Matt Patricia's oft-used Cover 2, 3, and 4 schemes.
"If Houston becomes a consistent disruptor, several things happen," Van Wiechen prefaced before saying, "First, it frees up Ohio State’s edge defenders. Players like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and other pass rushers become far more dangerous when offensive lines are forced to account for pressure coming from the middle.
"Second, it stabilizes the run defense. Interior defensive tackles are responsible for controlling gaps and preventing running lanes from developing. A dominant tackle can force offenses to become one-dimensional.
"Third, it helps the secondary. When quarterbacks face pressure up the middle, their timing and throwing mechanics often break down, creating more opportunities for turnovers and contested throws. In other words, interior defensive line play is often the hidden engine of a defense. If Houston becomes the player his recruiting profile suggested, Ohio State’s defense could take a major step forward."
Houston has always had the physical tools. He simply needs to improve on technique and reading protection. With another offseason working with Patricia and, more closely, Larry Johnson, under his belt, it's easy to bet on Houston doing both.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will benefit from deep Ohio State EDGE room
The Buckeyes added significant talent on the edge in the transfer portal. Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Qua Russaw had the talent to be in NFL draft conversations. Caden Curry's draft departure undoubtedly hurts. Luckily, Ohio State predictably reloaded at the most important defensive position on the field.
With multiple pressure angles needing intense focus from opposing offensive coordinators, Patricia could have teams right where he wants them with Houston and Co. as the missing pieces in the middle. Curry got to the QB more than anyone else on the Buckeyes in 2025, and it's possible that Russaw could break out in a similar way this fall.
Remember, Russaw arrived in Tuscaloosa to play for Nick Saban, but soon had Kane Wommack as his defensive coordinator with the Tide. While he got a taste of great coaching under Kevin Steele and Freddie Roach, the defensive culture completely shifted in 2024 when Kalen DeBoer's coaching staff took over.
In Columbus, Russaw won't have those issues. Jackson should see his ship raised by all of the high tides around him. If he can make good on his immense potential, that's a future NFL first-round pick.
There's a reason Jackson's name came up when discussing the consequences of another defensive lineman's potential ascension.