With Ohio State football losing seven defensive starters to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes will need multiple new defenders to step up and make an immediate impact this season.
"I think the question still remains," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. "Who are going to be the guys that we can count on to make the plays and do the job? ... We have some good depth there [on defense], but who's going to make the play? Who's going to be the guy that we can count on when it matters the most? I don't think we're there yet, but the good news is we have some different guys that are competing for those opportunities."
Ohio State's defense led the nation in points allowed last season (9.3 per game), limiting opponents to an average of 89.4 rushing yards and
129.7 passing yards
Here are five defenders who could break out for Ohio State this season:
Christian Alliegro, LB
Christian Alliegro transferred to Ohio State this offseason after playing linebacker for Wisconsin for the past three years. As a junior, he recorded 53 tackles and four sacks, earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention despite missing two games due to a broken bone in his left arm, sustained against the Buckeyes.
Alliegro brings a veteran presence to a fairly inexperienced linebacker group, as junior Payton Pierce is the only returning linebacker who appeared in all of Ohio State's 14 games last season.
Earl Little Jr., S
When evaluating the safeties, Day acknowledged the progress Earl Little Jr. has made in solidifying himself within the secondary since transferring from Florida State.
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"Earl has done a nice job," Day said.
Little led Florida State in tackles with 76 last season, while grabbing four interceptions and forcing two fumbles. The fifth-year defender will help replace safety Caleb Downs, the Dallas Cowboys' first draft pick at 11th overall.
Jay Timmons, DB
Freshman Jay Timmons received praise from his teammates and coaches throughout his first preseason camp, as he took first-team reps at nickelback.
"He's been getting smarter, and he's been understanding the responsibility that he has," Ohio State junior safety Jaylen McClain said. "Not a lot of freshmen around the country have the opportunity he has, and he's not taking it lightly at all. He's growing every day, getting 1% better, and he's one of the better playmakers we have on this team."
If Timmons gets a starting nod against Ball State on Sept. 5, he'll be the first true freshman to start on defense since Denzel Burke in 2021.
John Walker, DT
Defensive tackle John Walker passed on the opportunity to join the Buckeyes out of Kissimmee, Florida, four years ago and opted to remain close to home at UCF. He transferred from to Ohio State during the offseason.
Walker recorded 64 tackles with UCF, 40 in 2025. He's in the running to take the starting spot beside returning defensive tackle Eddrick Houston, but his competition at preseason camp has been steep, with senior Will Smith Jr. and Alabama transfer James Smith also battling for the opening.
Riley Pettijohn, LB
After recording 50 snaps in 13 games at Ohio State last season, linebacker Riley Pettijohn is expected to take on a bigger role during his sophomore season, despite spending the spring sidelined with a torn labrum.
According to Day, Pettijohn will still be taking snaps on special-teams, where he earned a majority of his playing time as a freshman. Pettijohn's special-teams outings could help determine how often he'll be featured in the linebacker rotation, likely playing behind Alliegro and Pierce.
bmackay@dispatch.com
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 5 Ohio State defenders who could have breakout seasons
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