Ohio State Defensive End Qua Russaw Sheds Black Stripe

Ohio State defensive end Qua Russaw is already making an impression seven practices into spring camp, becoming an “official” Buckeye after losing his black stripe on Thursday.

The Alabama transfer Russaw spent the previous three seasons with the Crimson Tide, redshirting his freshman campaign in 2023.

The 6-2, 240-pound defensive end appeared in 23 games for Alabama over the next two years, logging 49 total tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, with both picks coming in the 2024 season.

Russaw missed six games for Alabama a season ago with a foot injury, but started multiple games, totaling 14 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack.  

On Jan. 12, both Russaw and defensive tackle James Smith announced their transfers from Alabama to Ohio State. Russaw was the 63rd-ranked transfer and the No. 8 edge rusher in the 2026 transfer portal class.

Russaw is now part of a defensive end rotation that also includes returning starter and rising senior Kenyatta Jackson Jr., rising junior Beau Atkinson, rising sophomore Zion Grady and redshirt freshman Epi Sitanelei, all competing for playing time.

Russaw is now the fifth Buckeye to shed his black stripe this spring, joining wide receiver Kyle Parker and safety Earl Little Jr., who did so on March 28, and linebacker Christian Alliegro and freshman wide receiver Brock Boyd, on March 31.

_{Image courtesy of Ohio State Athletics}