Ohio State Reportedly Gains Commitments From Pair Of Alabama Transfers

Ohio State has gained commitments from a pair of highly-talented Alabama transfers. Alabama defensive lineman James Smith and defensive end Qua Russaw each committed to Ohio State on Monday, according to On3.

Russaw, a four-star transfer, according to 247Sports, is ranked as the No. 58 overall player and the No. 10 defensive end. The 6-2, 243-pound defensive end played at Alabama for two seasons. Appearing in nine games, he logged 14 total tackles and had a sack. Russaw missed six games this season with a foot injury, but still started multiple games for the Crimson Tide.

Last year, Smith had 26 total tackles, a pass deflection, and 2.5 sacks. He is viewed as one of the best players to enter the transfer portal. Like Russaw, he is a four-star transfer portal prospect, according to 247Sports, but he is also ranked as the No. 7 overall player in the portal and the No. 1 defensive lineman.

Each player comes into Columbus possessing plenty of talent. Both Russaw and Smith were viewed as top-35 prospects in the 2023 recruiting class. In addition to being collegiate teammates at Alabama, Russaw and Smith also were teammates at Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama.