Ryan Day, Ohio State Land Former 5-Star LB From Alabama

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Ryan Day, Ohio State Land Former 5-Star LB From Alabama

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a disappointing conclusion to the 2025 college football season. They finished the year with a loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game and a loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, ending their bid for a back-to-back national title.

Now, it’s up to head coach Ryan Day to begin rebuilding the roster. On Monday, the team secured a significant commitment from former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Qua Russaw. The former five-star recruit recorded 50 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks during his two seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Qua Russaw (4).Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Day has had notable success in recruiting defensive players from the Crimson Tide. A few years ago, they secured standout safety Caleb Downs, who transformed their defense and was instrumental in their national championship win in 2024. Downs is now projected to be a top pick in the upcoming draft.

Russaw’s commitment immediately reshapes Ohio State’s linebacker room, adding experience, physicality and pedigree to a defense that struggled in critical moments late in the season.

There is also a recent precedent for this strategy paying dividends. Ohio State’s addition of Downs from Alabama altered the trajectory of the defense and played a major role in the program’s 2024 national championship run. Russaw may not be asked to carry that same load immediately, but his presence raises both the floor and ceiling of a unit seeking stability and leadership.

Looking ahead, Ohio State is expected to remain aggressive in the transfer portal as spring practice approaches. With expectations unchanged in Columbus and the Big Ten landscape shifting, Russaw’s development could be a key factor in determining whether the Buckeyes return to championship contention in the 2026 season.

Related: Ohio State’s ‘Biggest Question’ Looms as Buckeyes Chase National Title Repeat

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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