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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Former Alabama Edge Rusher Qua Russaw Transfers to Ohio State
Ohio State adds a talented piece to its 2026 defense as former Alabama edge rusher and top-40 recruit Qua Russaw transfers to the Buckeyes.
The Alabama native enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, racking up 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions while playing Wolf, a hybrid edge/linebacker role in the Crimson Tide's 4-2-5 defense, similar to the "Jack" position Jim Knowles deployed early in his Ohio State tenure. He brings an interesting athletic profile to the defensive end position with the Buckeyes, a chess piece that defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could use as a stand-up edge player who can drop into coverage for some unique schemes, as the Buckeyes' defensive ends did in a more limited capacity in 2025.
Speaking of 2025, Russaw saw his role diminish in Alabama's defense this past season. He played 45 snaps in the Tide's first game, 19 snaps in their second and 41 in their third before breaking his foot in game four and missing seven weeks. After returning for Alabama's 11th game of the season, he never reached 30 snaps in a game. He finished the season with 14 tackles and one sack.
Back healthy, Russaw can be a versatile weapon for Ohio State if he taps back into his five-star potential as in 2024.
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I was thinking of Hicks immediately. He’s what the defensive staff hoped Hicks would’ve been by now, but no one knew how to use him, and he never Had a defined position until this year. Russaw was also A former 5star who could develop into a solid SDE. But like @billmac91 said, the real prize was Smith
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I know people are going to look down on the lack of proven production. But I think this is the kind of guy who still has a ton of raw talent that might finally come together with a scenery change and playing under Patricia.
At minimum he will be a guy who's effective at standing ground when rotating in. Even if the sack numbers aren't there he seems to be a guy who's good at setting the edge.
At minimum he will be a guy who's effective at standing ground when rotating in. Even if the sack numbers aren't there he seems to be a guy who's good at setting the edge.
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James is something else, but i wouldn't put down Qua so early on here. Qua's rare athleticism really jumps out on that film, especially when dropping into coverage as a D-lineman
Qua looks like he's going to bring some good such to our Rushmen room
Qua looks like he's going to bring some good such to our Rushmen room
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Seems to me this kid is just what JL would prize in a LB. He plays angry and has certain closing speed. I hope he doesnt end up with his hand in the dirt.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Ohio State football transfer knocked for playing the wrong position
One Alabama analyst believes a former Crimson Tide EDGE is playing the wrong position with Ohio State.
scarletandgame.com
Ohio State transfer unfairly knocked for playing the wrong position
Ohio State Buckeyes EDGE Qua Russaw isn't guaranteed to start during the 2026 College Football season on the EDGE, with Kenyatta Jackson Jr.'s counterpart potentially being him, Zion Grady, himself a former Alabama Crimson Tide commit, and fifth-year senior Beau Atkinson.Per Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope, "There’s no clear pecking order in that competition right now, but the early intrigue centers around Grady, who Jackson said has 'all the tools' to be a great defensive end, and Russaw, who was more of a hybrid linebacker than a true defensive end at Alabama but showed plenty of explosiveness and power in his first two practices as a Buckeye."
Bama Hammer's John Mitchell believes Buckeye fans are seeing firsthand that the Russaw hype has a strong chance of not materializing, and added an interesting wrinkle as to why: he's playing out of position at defensive end and should embrace being an outside linebacker.
"Russaw's biggest issue is not understanding what's best for him. It's obvious that he's not a true edge rusher, and never will develop into one. But with his athletic ability and speed, he could make a heck of an off-ball LB, and if he had been open to that position change, one that gives him the best shot at an NFL career, then he'd likely still be in Tuscaloosa and starting spring practice at the top of the Alabama depth chart," Mitchell wrote.
Qua Russaw has the tools to be a great OLB
Russaw is definitely a better run-stopper than pocket-breaker. Thus far, elite blindside tackles have been able to keep him from getting to the quarterback. Playing under Kane Wommack over two seasons, Russaw had two sacks. Interestingly enough, he also had two interceptions in coverage.There are many skills in Russaw's toolbox. The one essential skill that's currently lacking, regularly outmuscling opposing tackles, is the one he needs the most at defensive end, the position he seems set on.
Perhaps it'd be best to unleash Russaw in the middle, where his athleticism can help him set the edge more regularly while complementing his ability to diagnose run plays before they unfold. LB coach James Laurinaitis could certainly use more freak athletes after losing a handful to the 2026 NFL draft.
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