BOOM! Ohio State lands defensive addition ahead of a major recruiting weekend

The beat rolls on as the past few days continues to be some of the busiest times for Ohio State’s program. Changes aplenty to their current roster in the works, the coaching staff found Thursday to be much of the same, but good news led the way seeing the Buckeyes land another player via the transfer portal.

This weekend being a major recruiting opportunity for both the portal and prep ranks, the offseason has no signs of slowing down, and hopefully it leads to additional pieces of good news.

Ohio State adds transfer portal linebacker

It was another day and another commitment for Ohio State via the transfer portal, as the Buckeyes were able to land former Wisconsin linebacker Christian Alliegro to add to their defensive roster, immediately helping their overall depth.

A 6-foot-3, 22o pound athlete, Alliegro’s experience at the college level is what the coaching staff has to like the most, and certainly why he was a welcomed new member of the program. One year of eligibility remaining, Alliegro will finish his career in Columbus, looking to add to his 120 tackles and eight sacks during his two-year starting career for the Badgers.

The No. 147 player nationally and the 10th best linebacker per the 247Sports Composite, Alliegro will compete for starting reps once again, and joins a linebacker room that has plenty of talent ready to take the next step with both Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese headed to the NFL.

Guys like Payton Pierce, Riley Pettijohn, and TJ Alford lead the way as the younger players next in line to shine for the Buckeyes, but it’s hard to pass up proven and experienced players in the transfer portal era. Knowing all too well what it takes roster numbers wise to reach their ultimate goals, depth is a major importance to this program’s success, and Alliegro fits that mold perfectly.

All set at the position now, Ryan Day and company will continue to focus their efforts elsewhere, but this is a great win for the staff and defensive side of the ball looking to continue their dominance in 2026.

Buckeyes dish out latest offer to 2027 DB

Pretty clear Ohio State is still very much prioritizing high school recruiting too during this time, the Buckeyes were active on Thursday offering their latest prospect in the 2027 class. Making their presence known in the Peach State, Georgia native Aamaury Fountain was the latest to receive the good news from Ohio State in regard to an offer.

A 6-foot-1, 175 pound cornerback, Fountain is the No. 316 player nationally and the 35th best corner per the 247Sports Composite grades. Currently committed to South Carolina, Ohio State has no issue still pressing their luck and with well over 20 offers to his name from some of the best programs in the country, certainly he’s worth the time and pursuit though his pledge lies elsewhere.

Two defensive backs in the 2027 class already committed for Ohio State, both of their verbal agreements come by way of the safety position so cornerback still needs addressed and multiple times likely. More names sure to come, Georgia is producing some of the best high school prep talent in the country and Fountain is right there with the best of them.

Quick Hits

Sticking with the prep ranks, Ohio State received good news that they will have the opportunity to host receiver target Monshun Sales this coming weekend.

A five-star talent listed as the No. nine player nationally and second best receiver, the Indiana native has had the Buckeyes heavily in the mix for his services for sometime, but with the change in leadership for Hankton in place of Hartline, this visit is a chance for the new coach to build his own relationship.

Plenty of visit news to cover for the weekend, Ohio State will also play host to Michigan State transfer running back, Makhi Frazier. The No. 326 player nationally and 29th best running back per the 247Sports transfer portal rankings, Frazier should be more of a depth piece style recruitment, but with the rumors swirling around Bo Jackson and his potential to enter the transfer portal, the Buckeyes have to do their due diligence.