As Ohio State begins reshaping its roster through the transfer portal, one under‑the‑radar but increasingly important area of need has emerged: linebacker.
The Buckeyes face significant turnover at a position
that has been a defensive anchor the past few seasons, with stars Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese expected to depart for the NFL. With both production and leadership on the edge of exiting, Ohio State’s coaching staff are actively exploring portal options to maintain its linebacker strength.
Recent activity suggests that they are targeting established, veteran playmakers who could step into immediate roles.
Why a linebacker in the portal matters more than you think
Ohio State has typically been rich at linebacker, but that depth has evaporated at the top end.
Styles and Reese have been two of the most dynamic defenders on the team over the past few seasons, combining athletic sideline‑to‑sideline play with big‑moment instincts that helped anchor Ohio State’s top ranking defense. With their likely NFL departures, the Buckeyes could enter 2026 with very little experience at linebacker.
While Ohio State does have young, promising options like Payton Pierce and Riley Pettijohn, none have starter experience at the FBS level. That leaves the Buckeyes vulnerable against offenses that test the middle of the defense with inside runs and play‑action, a recipe that can expose inexperience quickly.
Bringing in a veteran through the portal not only stabilizes the group for 2026 but also gives Ohio State flexibility as its younger linebackers grow into larger roles.
Christian Alliegro: A veteran looking for a new home
One of the most intriguing names linked to Ohio State’s linebacker portal hunt is Christian Alliegro, a Wisconsin transfer. Alliegro was a key contributor for the Badgers, recording 124 career tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks over three seasons.
In 2025 alone, he notched 53 tackles, 8 TFLs and 4 sacks, even while playing through a broken arm sustained in Ohio State’s matchup with the Badgers earlier in the season.
At 6‑foot‑4 and 245 pounds, Alliegro combines size, athleticism and production, the kind of attributes that fit Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme. He has shown an ability to play downhill against the run while also generating pressure as a blitzer or edge defender, making him a plug‑and‑play candidate for multiple linebacker roles.
Ohio State has reportedly hosted him on campus already, indicating serious interest as the Buckeyes try to fill the immediate void left by Styles and Reese.
Alliegro’s experience and proven performance in the Big Ten would allow him to be more than just a depth piece, he could stabilize the linebacker corps while mentoring younger players. A rare blend of impact that could pay dividends early.
Qua Russaw and Beyond: High‑Ceiling options still available
Another intriguing name circulating in portal chatter is Qua Russaw, a former five‑star linebacker out of Alabama who is also expected to visit Ohio State.
Russaw was one of the top recruits in the nation in 2023 and brings a rare blend of size, strength and athleticism. Although his recent seasons were hampered by injuries and somewhat limited production, his physical profile (6-foot-2, 243 pounds with versatile pass‑rush and coverage potential) still projects as high‑upside in the right environment. He’s already drawing attention from multiple programs, including Ohio State, LSU and Tennessee.
While Russaw may be more of a developmental option compared to the polished Alliegro, his national pedigree and athletic traits make him a compelling target if the Buckeyes want to blend experience and long‑term upside.
What this means for Ohio State’s defensive identity
Addressing the linebacker position in the portal is more than roster maintenance, it’s identity preservation. Ohio State’s defense has historically succeeded when its linebackers are not just sound but are second level playmakers, capable of complimenting an elite pass rush with physical, instinctive play.
As Styles and Reese depart, the Buckeyes cannot afford to rely solely on unproven youth, especially in a conference where running backs and tight ends routinely test linebacker discipline.
By targeting players like Christian Alliegro, and potentially high‑upside athletes like Qua Russaw or similar portal options, Ohio State is showing that it values experience and production as cornerstones of its defensive plans. The goal is clear, bring in a starter‑caliber veteran who can help maintain a championship‑level defense while the next generation matures.
In a landscape where every snap counts and depth matters, this under‑the‑radar need could be one of the most consequential moves Ohio State makes in the portal era. Landing the right linebacker could be the difference between a good defense and a national title contender.
