Upperclassman Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker transfer Christian Alliegro was never a bit player during his three years with the Wisconsin Badgers and won't be again during his one year in Columbus.
As Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope relayed, Alliegro will be defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, and DL coach Larry Johnson's Arvell Reese archetype in 2026, playing along the edge and as an outside linebacker.
"Christian Alliegro’s usage in practice through the first half of his first spring as a Buckeye suggests he could be the Arvell Reese of Ohio State’s 2026 defense – at least in terms of the role he’ll play," Hope prefaced before saying, "Viewed as a presumptive starter at linebacker alongside Payton Pierce since he transferred to Ohio State from Wisconsin in January, Alliegro said he’s lined up primarily as an edge rusher and Sam linebacker in his first seven practices as a Buckeye."
"As the spring and the rest of the offseason progress, Alliegro will likely spend more time lining up in an off-ball position at Will linebacker in more traditional two-linebacker looks. Ohio State plans to utilize Alliegro in multiple ways in its 2026 defense, as his versatility was one of the top traits that stood out to Laurinaitis when he evaluated Alliegro as a transfer prospect."
Christian Alliegro doing what's best for his career
Alliegro's decision to play for the Ohio State University is one he admitted was tough, but was ultimately a business decision. Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, a former longtime Buckeyes defensive coordinator, certainly understood.
"Obviously, it was tough because I had such a great time in Wisconsin," Alliegro said. "But I think (Badgers coach Luke Fickell) understood ultimately what was best for me and my career for the future. It was tough to leave, but ultimately I had to do what's best for me."
Getting the Reese treatment is about as good as it gets across College Football for an EDGE rusher. Reese is about to be the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft and helped lead a historic defensive effort in 2025.
It's hard to argue that Alliegro doesn't have it better off right now than in Madison.