It looks like Alabama’s transfer portal crisis just took another ugly turn today. As if losing 18 players wasn’t bad enough already, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stepped in and made things even worse for Kalen DeBoer by landing not one, but two certified former 5-star defensive players.

On January 12th, the Buckeyes officially pulled off a major coup in the college football transfer portal. They officially landed commitments today to replace the likes of Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles by landing two former Alabama defensive stars: defensive lineman James Smith and edge rusher Qua Russaw.

These two guys are a significant “get” because they were both top-ranked prospects available in the transfer portal. James Smith was actually considered the number one defensive tackle available, and Qua Russaw was a top edge rushing prospect. Both are expected to step right in and compete for starting positions from day 1.

It’s also a cool story because Smith and Russaw were high school teammates in Montgomery, Alabama, and everyone always viewed them as a “package deal.” They committed to Alabama together straight out of high school, and now they’ve committed to Ohio State together via the portal. They both visited Columbus just last week before making their decision to become Buckeyes.

Let’s talk a little about what they bring to the table. Smith, a defensive lineman with one year of eligibility left, is coming off a 2025 season where he recorded 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Russaw, an edge rusher with two years of eligibility remaining, has racked up a total of 49 tackles and 2 sacks over his two seasons at Alabama.

Last season, the Ohio State Buckeyes had an absolutely incredible front-seven on defense – statistically the best in all of college football. They basically shut everyone down, leading the nation in total defense and scoring defense, allowing only 9.3 points per game. The Buckeyes plan to double down on the production next season and he’s cashing it on his newest 5-stars.

Russaw played linebacker at Alabama, mostly rushing the quarterback off the edge. At Ohio State, he’s expected to move into more of a defensive end role. That means his main job will be attacking the quarterback and setting the edge against the run. The Buckeyes may still let him stand up at times, depending on the situation.

However, Smith fills a much more urgent need on the inside. With Kayden McDonald leaving for the NFL, Ohio State needed help at defensive tackle. Smith can step into that role right away. He’s strong against the run and does a solid job pushing offensive linemen backward on passing plays.

The additions of Smith and Russaw are part of a larger recruiting push by Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been busy adding talent across the roster. This includes key defensive pieces like safeties Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore. They also added defensive lineman John Walker. All of it points to one clear goal. Making a serious push for the 2026 season.

What’s going on with Bama

Right after Indiana absolutely crushed them 38–3 in the Rose Bowl, things got chaotic. The Alabama started losing players left and right. The list of players bailing is pretty long and full of stars. They lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. On defense, big names like former five-star Keon Keeley and Noah Carter bounced.

Offensively, they’re saying goodbye to running back Richard Young and their 2025 leader in touchdown catches, Isaiah Horton. Plus, the NFL draft took some key veterans. Guys like quarterback Ty Simpson and offensive linemen Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford.

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But it’s not all bad news! Kalen DeBoer did indeed do something out of nothing. They snagged DL Devan Thompkins from USC and linebacker Caleb Woodson from Virginia Tech to beef up the defense. Offense got some help too, adding O-lineman Kaden Strayhorn from Michigan, and TE Josh Ford from Oklahoma State.

They’re also adding specialists and a couple more offensive playmakers to try and patch things up. By the looks of the current Bama roster, they are nowhere near a playoff-caliber team, and with just four days left in the portal, Kalen DeBoer needs to land some big fish up front to make 2026 competitive again.