Ohio State football lands key transfer portal additions, eyes strong 2026 roster

Ohio State football just completed one of the most transformative transfer portal windows in program history. The Buckeyes added 16 new transfers while losing 31 scholarship players over just two weeks, reshaping their entire roster ahead of the 2026 season. Coach Ryan Day targeted every critical position to stay championship-competitive despite massive attrition.

Defensive Reinforcements Dominate Transfer Haul

Ohio State made the defense its primary focus by landing three former Alabama defenders in James Smith, Qua Russaw, and Cam Calhoun. Smith was the top-rated defensive lineman available in the portal and adds elite pass-rush ability. Russaw provides experienced edge depth after his stint in the SEC, while Calhoun strengthens the secondary with his proven starting experience at Utah and Alabama.

In the secondary, Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore both earned All-ACC honors before joining the Buckeyes. John Walker transferred from UCF to bolster the defensive tackle room. These veteran acquisitions signal Day’s commitment to replacing Caleb Downs and other defensive losses without sacrificing overall depth or competitiveness.

Offensive Weapons Added to Spread Workload

Wide receiver saw the biggest offensive additions as Kyle Parker, a former LSU starter, and Devin McCuin from UTSA joined the room. Parker brings 510 career snaps from a Power Five conference while McCuin logged 1,364 snaps as a three-year starter, directly addressing losses of Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham to Notre Dame.

At tight end, Ohio State added Hunter Welcing from Northwestern and Mason Williams from Ohio, both former starters. Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson, a seventh-year senior from Florida, provides veteran depth. At quarterback, Justyn Martin joins as an experienced backup to eventual starter Julian Sayin.

Transfer Portal Tracker, Key Additions by Position

The comprehensive rebuild spans all levels. Here’s how Ohio State stacks up after the portal closed on January 16, 2026:

Position	Top Additions	Key Losses
Linebacker	Christian Alliegro (Wisconsin)	Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles (NFL Draft)
Safety	Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore (All-ACC)	Caleb Downs (Two-time All-American, NFL)
Cornerback	Dominick Kelly (Georgia), Cam Calhoun	Aaron Scott Jr. (to Oregon)
Special Teams	Connor Hawkins (Baylor kicker)	Jackson Courville, Nick McLarty

“We all know what needs to get done. We have to reload, we have to retool. But I’m confident in this group to compete for a national championship in 2026.”

— Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach

Massive Roster Turnover Sets Stage for 2026 Competition

With 47 players gone and 44 new arrivals, more than half of Ohio State’s 2025 roster will be different in 2026. The Buckeyes retained all four starting offensive linemen, including Luke Montgomery returning at left guard. Bo Jackson returns as the featured running back while Jeremiah Smith, widely considered the best wide receiver in college football, comes back for his junior season.

Losing 31 scholarship players represents unprecedented attrition, but strategic additions at defensive line, secondary, and special teams suggest Ohio State won’t lose competitive stature. The portal officially closed at midnight on January 16, though Day indicated more potential moves remain possible for players who applied before the cutoff. Eleven Warriors confirmed the roster currently sits at exactly 88 scholarship players heading into spring practice.

Can Ohio State Maintain National Title Contention After Historic Turnover?

Ohio State’s 2026 roster features three five-star transfers in James Smith, Earl Little Jr., and Justyn Martin, representing elite-level talent injections. However, losing star defensive ends C.J. Hicks and Caden Curry, plus cornerbacks Aaron Scott Jr. and Bryce West, creates uncertainty across the defense. The Alabama pipeline proved critical, with three transfers from the reigning SEC power bolstering multiple position groups.

Success depends on how quickly new players acclimate and whether returning veterans like Smith at wide receiver and Montgomery on the offensive line can anchor the unit. Day’s confidence in competing for a national championship suggests faith in both the additions and the development trajectory under his system.

Sources

• Eleven Warriors – Comprehensive position-by-position roster analysis and transfer tracker covering all 16 additions and 31 departures
• Cleveland.com – Offensive and defensive transfer portal movement with player names and former schools
• 247 Sports – Transfer portal database showing star ratings and academic classifications of new arrivals