The Ohio State football program has been navigating a slow-paced recruitment strategy regarding Transfer Portal commitments, experiencing a significant number of player exits while only securing a few replacements. This trend does not account for the anticipated losses to the NFL Draft, which may impact their roster further. However, the Buckeyes remain committed to their methodology, prioritizing the recruitment of players who fit their system over those who are simply the most prominent names.
In a recent development, Ohio State has successfully recruited linebacker Christian Alliegro from Wisconsin, who proves to be a valuable addition to their roster. Alliegro, who spent three seasons with the Badgers and played a crucial role under coach Luke Fickell, has accumulated over 100 tackles and seven sacks over the last two years. His experience will be essential as the Buckeyes aim to fill gaps left by departing linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.
This marks the first instance of head coach Ryan Day recruiting from the Transfer Portal to address a pressing need, bolstering a critical position in defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s scheme. Although the Buckeyes still have areas to address—such as adding a cornerback—the addition of Alliegro is a positive move that can bolster the squad for the upcoming season.
The involvement of Fickell in Alliegro’s decision is noteworthy; he reportedly recommended Ohio State as a preferable option over Texas, aiding the Buckeyes in securing this promising prospect. While some fans may express impatience with the current pace of recruitment, Alliegro’s commitment provides a reason for optimism as Ohio State looks to enhance its competitiveness for the 2026 national championship pursuit.