USC football versus Ohio State will be a showcase game in the 2026 Big Ten season. ESPN has more on a Ohio State defensive lineman the Trojans will need to block.
“An Ohio State defense looking to reload after seven players were selected in the NFL draft added value with Smith, an Alabama transfer at defensive tackle. With the departure of Kayden McDonald, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, Smith steps into a role he filled quickly this spring. He should be an immediate impact player for the Buckeyes this fall with both run stopping size and disruptive quickness.
“Though he has a different playing style than McDonald, the onetime top-25 prospect brings an explosive presence up front. Smith has the quickness to shoot gaps while also possessing the power and strength to hold up against double-teams. He plays with violence against the run and can also make an impact as a pass rusher with experience playing end at Bama under Nick Saban.”
USC will need to hit big plays down the field in order to ultimately beat Ohio State, but the Trojans will need to run the ball well enough to set up the pass and force the Buckeyes to put more personnel in the tackle box. Dealing with James Smith is central to that task of establishing the run and making USC’s offense less predictable and more potent. The Trojans’ formidable offensive line has to answer the call when handling this important assignment.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football opposing player scouting report – James Smith, Ohio State
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
