When Qua Russaw hit the transfer portal, the former Alabama defender suddenly had a ton of options. He hadn’t quite matched his high school hype as a top-10 edge rusher and top-65 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, but his raw talent still turned heads.
Ohio State was interested. They’d just lost defensive end Caden Curry, their sack leader, to the NFL.
At first, Russaw wasn’t that into the Buckeyes. But defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had a plan, and—eventually—it worked.
This is how Patricia’s scheme and Ohio State’s pitch finally sold Russaw on joining the Scarlet and Gray.
Russaw’s Initial Hesitation
Russaw’s path to Ohio State wasn’t exactly a straight line. He wasn’t convinced it was the right spot for him.
Even after visiting Columbus with his high school and Alabama teammate James Smith, he had doubts. It wasn’t the facilities or the coaches or the city itself—he just had this idea in his head about how Ohio State used its edge rushers.
Preconceived Notions about Ohio State’s Defensive Ends
Russaw, 6-foot-2, played as a stand-up outside linebacker at Alabama. That fit him.
But Ohio State? They’re known for those tall, long defensive ends—guys like Joey and Nick Bosa, Chase Young—lining up with a hand in the dirt. That wasn’t Russaw’s style, and it made him hesitate.
The Turning Point: Matt Patricia’s Scheme
After checking out Notre Dame and Tennessee, Russaw found himself circling back to Ohio State. Funny how that works.
What he heard from those other schools only made the Buckeyes’ plan look better. Patricia’s NFL experience and his flexible defensive approach really stood out to Russaw.
Patricia’s NFL Experience
Patricia’s time in the NFL mattered—a lot. He’d used stand-up edge rushers before, letting them move around and play to their strengths.
That clicked for Russaw. It was the kind of role he wanted, and he could actually see himself fitting in.
Ohio State’s Defensive Strategy
Last season, Patricia rolled out a strategy with linebackers Arvell Reese and Caden Curry as stand-up edge rushers, flanking three defensive linemen. It let Ohio State disguise its looks—Reese and Curry could blitz off the edge or drop into coverage.
Russaw’s Role in the New Scheme
With Reese and Curry both off to the NFL, Ohio State plans to use Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro and Russaw as stand-up linebackers with pass-rush duties. Alliegro is expected to start next to Payton Pierce, picking up Reese’s responsibilities.
Russaw will rotate in for certain packages, using his speed and power to pressure the quarterback. Sounds like a good fit, honestly.
Adapting to Ohio State’s System
Since getting to Ohio State, Russaw’s been working closely with defensive line coach Larry Johnson. He’s learning how to rush the passer, use his hands, and—maybe most importantly—build up his confidence.
He’s entering his fourth season of college football, but he’s only played 618 defensive snaps so far. Redshirting and injuries, including a broken foot last season, slowed him down.
Building Confidence and Skills
Russaw’s limited chances at Alabama have only made him hungrier to prove himself now. He’s grinding to learn the Buckeyes’ system, sharpening his pass-rush moves, and trying to get his swagger back.
His role is pretty specialized, designed to let him do what he does best—and help Ohio State replace some of last season’s lost production.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Ohio State is gearing up for fall camp and what’s shaping up to be a wild 2026 season. They’re ranked preseason No. 1 in the coaches poll and are almost certain to land in the AP top three.
Head coach Ryan Day talked about a bunch of topics in his latest press conference—team prep, new NCAA eligibility rules, and the growth of younger guys.
Key Freshmen to Watch
Day highlighted several true freshmen who could make noise this year—cornerback Jay Timmons, running back Legend Bey, and wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. With the new NCAA rule giving players five years to play five seasons, there’s more urgency for freshmen to see the field and make an impact.
Conclusion
Qua Russaw’s move to Ohio State? It wasn’t just a random pick. Matt Patricia’s NFL background played a big part, honestly.
There’s also the Buckeyes’ flexible defensive scheme. That kind of versatility really fits Russaw’s style, and you can see why it’d catch his eye.
With Russaw joining the squad, Ohio State’s defense gets a little sharper. Maybe that’s what they need to keep their spot at the top of college football—though, who really knows until the season kicks off?
If you want the full scoop on how Patricia’s approach sealed the deal, check out the article on 247Sports.
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