With Ohio State football set to begin spring practice in less than a week, it feels like the perfect time to look at five impact transfers to watch as camp opens. This cycle marks the largest incoming transfer class under Ryan Day, with 17 new additions heading to Columbus. According to 247Sports, the Buckeyes’ 2026 transfer class ranks No. 5 nationally, highlighted by five four stars and 12 three stars.
Ohio State also saw 37 players enter the transfer portal and could have 11 more selected in the NFL Draft. That is a significant amount of production to replace before the 2026 season kicks off. If the Buckeyes are going to remain at an elite level, this transfer group will play a major role. Here are five names to keep an eye on as the roster begins to take shape.
Duke transfer Terry Moore, S
Moore is one of the most intriguing additions in this class. He missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL, but in 2024, he was one of the top safeties in the ACC. The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back has totaled 116 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks in his college career.
In 2024, Pro Football Focus gave him a 90.1 defensive grade, the highest among Power conference safeties that season. Moore earned Second Team All-America honors from Action Network and was named Second Team All-ACC.
He is expected to line up alongside Jaylen McClain in the secondary. Replacing Caleb Downs will not be easy, but Moore has the experience and production to step in as a capable starter.
Alabama transfer Qua Russaw, EDGE
Russaw arrives in Columbus as a former five-star recruit with plenty of upside. The 6-foot-2, 243-pound edge rusher appeared in seven games for Alabama, finishing with 13 tackles and one sack. The raw production is modest, but the talent is obvious.
Ranked as the No. 8 edge rusher in the 2026 transfer cycle by 247Sports, Russaw brings much-needed help to a unit that is losing 17.5 sacks from Arvell Reese and Caden Curry. His development under associate head coach and defensive line coach Larry Johnson will be key, and if he takes the next step, he could become a disruptive force off the edge in 2026.
Alabama transfer James Smith, DL
Smith followed his former high school teammate Russaw from Alabama to Ohio State, and the duo could quickly become foundational pieces on the defensive front. Smith projects as a defensive tackle, whether at the three technique or nose remains to be seen.
He recorded 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season in the SEC and was ranked No. 9 overall in the portal and No. 1 among defensive linemen. Like Russaw, he will benefit from working with Larry Johnson.
With Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Zion Grady, James Smith, Qua Russaw, Eddrick Houston, and John Walker in the mix, this defensive line has the potential to be one of the team’s biggest strengths. The versatility across the group could allow Ohio State to create matchup problems across the board.
UTSA transfer Devin McCuin, WR
McCuin is another transfer who could push for a starting role right away. He caught 65 passes for 726 yards and eight touchdowns last season and brings verified sub 4.4 speed to the offense. That kind of burst is hard to ignore.
Projected as a Z receiver, McCuin’s three years of college experience may give him an edge over talented freshmen like Chris Henry Jr. or Jerquaden Guilford. Regardless of how the depth chart shakes out, his ability to stretch the field adds a dangerous element to an offense that already features Jeremiah Smith.
Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing, TE
Tight end was one of the biggest areas of need this offseason. With Max Klare heading to the NFL, Will Kacmarek out of eligibility, and Jelani Thurman entering the portal, Ohio State needed reinforcements.
Welcing, ranked as the No. 3 tight end in the transfer portal, brings veteran experience and steady production. In 2025, he posted career highs with 28 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns, finishing third on Northwestern’s roster in catches.
After six years in Evanston that included injuries and redshirts, Welcing fits the staff’s emphasis on adding mature, experienced players. He may not grab headlines, but he could become a reliable weapon in the passing game and a key piece of the 2026 offense.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Five new Buckeyes to watch entering spring practice
Reporting by Griffin Dreifaldt, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
