Ohio State Buckeyes EDGE Qua Russaw isn't guaranteed to start during the 2026 College Football season on the EDGE, with Kenyatta Jackson Jr.'s counterpart potentially being him, Zion Grady, himself a former Alabama Crimson Tide commit, and fifth-year senior Beau Atkinson.
Per Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope, "There’s no clear pecking order in that competition right now, but the early intrigue centers around Grady, who Jackson said has 'all the tools' to be a great defensive end, and Russaw, who was more of a hybrid linebacker than a true defensive end at Alabama but showed plenty of explosiveness and power in his first two practices as a Buckeye."
Bama Hammer's John Mitchell believes Buckeye fans are seeing firsthand that the Russaw hype has a strong chance of not materializing, and added an interesting wrinkle as to why: he's playing out of position at defensive end and should embrace being an outside linebacker.
"Russaw's biggest issue is not understanding what's best for him. It's obvious that he's not a true edge rusher, and never will develop into one. But with his athletic ability and speed, he could make a heck of an off-ball LB, and if he had been open to that position change, one that gives him the best shot at an NFL career, then he'd likely still be in Tuscaloosa and starting spring practice at the top of the Alabama depth chart," Mitchell wrote.
Qua Russaw has the tools to be a great OLB
Russaw is definitely a better run-stopper than pocket-breaker. Thus far, elite blindside tackles have been able to keep him from getting to the quarterback. Playing under Kane Wommack over two seasons, Russaw had two sacks. Interestingly enough, he also had two interceptions in coverage.
There are many skills in Russaw's toolbox. The one essential skill that's currently lacking, regularly outmuscling opposing tackles, is the one he needs the most at defensive end, the position he seems set on.
Perhaps it'd be best to unleash Russaw in the middle, where his athleticism can help him set the edge more regularly while complementing his ability to diagnose run plays before they unfold. LB coach James Laurinaitis could certainly use more freak athletes after losing a handful to the 2026 NFL draft.