Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are still navigating the fallout of losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff.
Unfortunately, the program has seen quite a few talented players decide to enter the NCAA transfer portal. As Day looks to replace that talent and put Ohio State back in a position to be a national championship contender next year, the team has work to do.
On Thursday, the Buckeyes were able to make an intriguing move that will help them towards their goal in 2026.
Read more: Florida State, Mike Norvell Land New QB in 35-TD SEC Transfer
According to a report from ESPN college football insider Pete Thames, Ohio State has made a transfer portal addition from a Big Ten opponent. Wisconsin linebacker Christian Alliegro has committed to the Buckeyes. Alliegro committed to the Buckeyes over the Texas Longhorns after having visits with both programs.
“Sources: Wisconsin veteran linebacker Christian Alliegro has committed to Ohio State,” Thamel wrote on X. “He picked the Buckeyes after visiting OSU and Texas. Alliegro is an experienced and productive linebacker who has 124 career tackles, eight career sacks and 14 career TFLs.”
Alliegro will immediately pencil in as a key part of the Ohio State defense next season.
During his first three seasons at Wisconsin, Alliegro has racked up 120 total tackles to go along with eight sacks and three defended passes. Adding a veteran leader to help replace some of the talent and leadership the Buckeyes will be losing to the NFL Draft and transfer portal will be extremely important.
Looking ahead to next season, there are many reasons to be excited about Ohio State. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith will be back in town to lead the offense. However, the defense will suffer some major losses to the upcoming draft.
Read more: Florida QB DJ Lagway Linked to Surprising SEC School in Transfer Portal
Among the players who are likely leaving defensively will be safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
Hopefully, the addition of Alliegro will end up helping keep the Buckeyes defense among the nation’s elite. He’ll be stepping into a much bigger situation than he has had during his career with the Badgers. However, adding veteran talent is always a good plan for a team hopeful of making a championship run.
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