ESPN named the Ohio State Buckeyes’ best transfer portal addition, and he’s set to have a chance at a major role in 2026
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The Ohio State Buckeyes saw a major roster shift play out in January during the transfer portal being open. After the season ended against Miami in the College Football Playoff, the portal brought plenty of craziness.
Ohio State lost over 30 players to the portal and brought back about half the number of players departing. The Buckeyes found starters and depth both in the portal. There’s no denying the transfer portal has become a key part of roster building.
ESPN names Ohio State’s top transfer portal addition
Recently, ESPN named the best transfer portal additions from all of the top teams and the Buckeyes came in at No. 6. Ohio State made three additions from Alabama in the portal and DT James Smith was named as the top addition for Ohio State.
Smith is going to have a chance to take over for Kayden McDonald and be the next great defensive tackle for the Buckeyes. Smith was the No. 1 defensive lineman in the transfer portal, per 247sports. The former Alabama defender was the No. 9 overall player.
During the 2025 season, Smith had 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Smith is a former five-star recruit who has a chance to be fully uncles in his last college season being coached by Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
With McDonald heading to the NFL, the Buckeyes had to bring in help on the interior of the defensive line. Smith and UCF transfer John Walker are the defensive tackle additions to watch for the Buckeyes. They’ll be in a room with Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr as the other notable players.
Smith came to Ohio State for a reason in his final season of college football. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the Buckeyes best defenders and ends up a high 2027 NFL Draft selection.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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