Three Defensive X-Factors For Ohio State Football In 2026

In year one under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Ohio State fielded the nation’s top total and scoring defense.

Now, the Buckeyes enter 2026 looking to build on one of the most dominant defensive seasons in school history. However, following another offseason of heavy roster turnover, sustaining that elite standard will likely hinge on a new wave of talent.

While Ohio State returns plenty of proven contributors and added key pieces via the transfer portal, several rising defenders must step into larger roles to keep this unit elite.

With that in mind, Buckeye Sports Bulletin identified three defensive X-factors who could play a pivotal role for Ohio State in 2026.

SAF Terry Moore

Ohio State dipped into the transfer portal to add multiple key pieces in the secondary to replenish the losses of safety Caleb Downs, cornerback Davison Igbinosun and nickelback Lorenzo Styles Jr.

While safety Earl Little Jr. and cornerbacks Dominick Kelly and Cam Calhoun were among Ohio State’s notable additions in the secondary, Duke transfer Terry Moore stands out as a potential game-changer.

An elite athlete and versatile defender who began his career at Duke as a running back before transitioning to safety, Moore quickly developed into one of the ACC’s most productive defensive backs. The 6-0, 200-pound safety recorded 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2023, before he broke out as a junior with 71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four interceptions and two forced fumbles, earning second-team All-ACC honors.

However, Moore’s momentum was halted when he suffered a torn ACL in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2, 2025, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.

If he can return to his pre-injury form, Moore has the experience, versatility and playmaking ability to help offset Ohio State’s losses in the secondary and become a key contributor.

CB Devin Sanchez

While his counterpart, Jermaine Matthews Jr., has already established himself in Ohio State’s cornerback room, rising sophomore Devin Sanchez could take a similar leap in 2026.

After an encouraging freshman season, the former five-star recruit appears poised for a breakout campaign as a sophomore.

The No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 1 cornerback in the class of 2025, according to 247Sports Composite, the 6-2, 198-pound Sanchez lived up to his billing, appearing in 13 of 14 games as a true freshman for the Buckeyes.

And though started in just one of those outings, Sanchez played a key rotational role within a veteran defensive backfield. Sanchez totaled 15 tackles and two pass breakups while working to adjust to the college game.

Now, with starting spots up for grabs after the departures of Igbinonsun and Styles, Sanchez’s high ceiling and strong start to his Ohio State career position him to become a foundational pillar of the Buckeyes’ pass defense if he can make the anticipated sophomore jump.

DT James Smith

One of the nation’s premier transfer portal acquisitions, senior defensive tackle James Smith joins Ohio State from Alabama as a proven playmaker.

Smith was the No. 7-ranked defensive lineman in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, and is coming off a productive three-year stint with the Crimson Tide.

He totaled 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three pass breakups over that span, including a career-best junior campaign. In 2025, Smith recorded 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks last year, as the 6-2, 314-pound defensive tackle showcased the rare blend of power and athleticism that made him a top transfer prospect.

While Smith isn’t guaranteed to start entering a deep Buckeyes defensive tackle room that features returning starter and rising junior Eddrick Houston, rising senior Will Smith Jr., and UCF transfer John Walker, his experience gives him a strong edge to secure a significant role and provide the dominant, disruptive interior presence Ohio State needs in 2026.