Alabama transfers Qua Russaw and James Smith have had most of the headlines this offseason for Ohio State's defensive line. The veterans who started their careers in the SEC look to be instant and impactful forces on Larry Johnson's defensive line. This has caused guys who have been with Ohio State since day one to fly under the radar a little bit. They are poised to be just as great as their new brethren in the defensive trenches.
Ohio State has had its best defenses of the Ryan Day Era when they've been strong on the defensive line. In 2019, they had generational talent Chase Young rewrite the Ohio State history books when it came to pressuring the quarterback.
Young had 16.5 sacks (his 30.5 for his career are second all-time at Ohio State), and that was with missing two games because the NCAA is corrupt and cowardly. In 2024, senior defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer combined for 21.5 sacks (12.5 and 9, respectively) en route to Ohio State winning the national championship.
Last year, another upperclassman who spent his whole career at Ohio State was a force to be reckoned with at defensive end. After backing up Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau for his entire career, Caden Curry made good on his final season, recording 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss.
Enter Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Eddrick Houston, and Will Smith Jr. in 2026. Jackson had 11 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2025, playing opposite Curry at defensive end. Houston and Smith were key players giving depth to Jackson, Curry, and Kayden McDonald last season.
Qua Russaw and James Smith will be impactful this season, but I expect Jackson, Houston, or Will Smith Jr. to be the solid foundations that this defensive line is built on. The depth they will have will be crucial to Ohio State's success. Jackson in particular is poised for a great year. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has had a terrific offseason. He was recently named one of Ohio State's team captains for 2026. He switched jersey numbers from #97 to #2, and looks like a monster ready to feast.
2026 Captains 🫡 pic.twitter.com/yJeoyPQHZn
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 22, 2026
You know a guy is in the best shape of his career when he can stand next to Jeremiah Smith and make him look small. The depth of this defensive line is as good as it was in 2024, with Sawyer, Tuinmoloau, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, and the stars from last year and the starters from this year backing them up.
That group of Rushmen was special. They led Ohio Statewas, to a special playoff run and national championship victory. There's no doubt in my mind this unit can do the same, led by veterans like Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., and captain Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. still has a chance to become the elite pass rusher that the Buckeyes need. Ohio State's defense will be put to the test early against Texas, and that could be the stage for Jackson Jr. to break out and show that he's the most purely talented pass rusher on the roster.
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