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Ohio State lands pair of Alabama defensive transfers

Alabama natives and former five-star prospects, James Smith and Qua Russaw are taking their talents to Ohio State.

The pair signed with the Tide as talented prospects out of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Both earned starting roles in their last year with the Tide. Smith remained a starter along the Tide’s defensive line throughout the season, while Russaw had to fight back from a foot injury after starting the Tide’s first few games at wolf linebacker.

Losing these two creates a hole the Tide will need to plug in terms of experience in 2026.