COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Alabama defenders James Smith and Qua Russaw are transferring to Ohio State.
The two have been a package deal since their recruitment out of Carver Montgomery High School. They had the same top schools and both signed as part of Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class.
Smith, a former five-star prospect, was the second-ranked defensive lineman in his class. After playing only 68 snaps as a freshman, he’s appeared in 28 games (12 starts) across the last two seasons.
Smith (6-foot-3, 297 pounds) has 50 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Russaw (6-2, 243) was recruited as a four-star prospect who was the No. 6 edge rusher in his class. He did not earn any defensive snaps as a freshman, but he’s appeared in 22 games across the last two seasons with nine starts.
Russaw has 50 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in his collegiate career. During the 2025 season, he suffered a foot injury in a Week 5 win at Georgia. He did not return to action until Week 13.
Smith and Russaw are helping Ohio State fill positions of need this offseason.
At defensive tackle, the Buckeyes have lost plenty, including a pair of starters: Kayden McDonald and Tywone Malone Jr. They return Eddrick Houston, who started four games in 2025, and added former Central Florida transfer John Walker.
Ohio State lost Caden Curry to the NFL and is awaiting a decision from fellow starting defensive end Kenyatta Jackson. The Buckeyes will also go into the 2026 season without Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles — a pair of linebackers who helped get after the quarterback.
