This may be a bit scarlet glasses but I think next year's defense has a chance to surpass this year's defense and I'll tell you why. It might not happen right away but once they get going, look out. Losing 4 first rounders is tough for any team to replace but the portal definitely can get you back if you evaluate right. Here's my thoughts
-This will be the 2nd year of Matt Patricia defense so why wouldn't the returning players be better with the same system and scheme? Last year there were 8 players lost to the draft along with the new DC so it was basically a total rebuild. The gnashing of teeth in the preseason over the DL turned out to be complete nonsense. We were old even without much experience back. We're going to be old again next year and have much more across the board experience going into the year.
-There was obviously some house cleaning that went on with the portal. Mostly, if you couldn't play at Ohio State you're no longer on the roster. Patricia is heavily involved in personnel now and he's getting his guys that fit his schemes now. If you are short armed, don't have the measureables you're not on the roster (bye Jarquez).
-The fact that Patricia could take guys up front that everyone had basically given up on like Curry, Malone, Kenyatta and a guy with limited reps in McDonald and turn them into All Americans, draft picks and all conference players should give you a ton of confidence about what we're going to be on the DL this year.
-Zion Grady and Epi Sitanelei were talked about in preseason last year like a Jack and JT Combo. You know why they didn't pay Coleman? Because they bet on these two guys. Grady was almost a 5 star coming out of HS. The reps he got this year as a true freshman are invaluable. Fully expect Khary Wilder to be in the mix for reps and add depth.
-John Walker had some of the most dominant and impressive HS film I've ever seen from an interior DL. If they keep him healthy I think Patricia can turn him into a first rounder like McDonald. 6'4 326 with nearly 7 foot wingspan and elite leverage. Just watch what they do with him.
-The two five stars from Alabama are going really help out this defense. They're going from one of the worst D coordinators in the country in Kane Wommack to the best in the business in Matt Patricia. Qua Russaw was noted by Wommack as the freakiest athlete on a team full of freaks. Alabama definitely didn't lack talent, they lacked a competent defensive coach. Will be interesting to see how Russaw is used by Patricia. Is he Arvelle Reese or is he just an edge guy? I think James Smith will be a massive upgrade at the 3T over Tywone Malone. Malone benefited so much from the coaching last year but Smith has major experience and a much higher ceiling. Behind them we have two guys that got tons of experience last year in Eddrick Houston and Will Smith.
-Atkinson gets a lot of flack but I doubt he'd still be on the team if they didn't think he could play. Before you write him off, just remember the name Caden Curry.
-Patricia getting hold of a guy like Russaw should be illegal. Don't be surprised if he quickly has an Arvelle type of impact on the defense. Remember out of HS when he was bench pressing 350 10x? He might not be as long as Arvelle but he's got a lot of power and similar attributes. He can supposedly run 22 mph at 240-245 lbs.
-Kenyatta will be even better going into this year. He's got first round ability. Keeping him was better than anyone they could have gotten from the portal.
-Payton Pierce isn't getting a lot of respect but read Matt Miller's ESPN article and you'll see the respect he has from NFL scouts already, essentially being labeled as one of the best LBs in the country for next year. Laurinaitis absolutely loves the dude. If you don't think he's going to be one of the starters next year, can't help you. Animal.
-The comp I've been told for Riley Pettijohn is Ryan Shazier but more violent. I think this guy becomes a household name on the national scene quickly next year. Add in Alford and the 6'4 245 All Big 10 HM linebacker Christian Alliegro from Wisconsin and we are so stacked at that position. It's probably going to be hard for Cincere to get on the field right away but he's a luxury that most any team would want.
-Devin Sanchez played much better at the end of the year and I think we see the 5 star, top player in the country out of HS come out this season. We didnt have a lot of depth at the corner spot last year behind the starters. Next year we have Matthews, Devin and experience with Cam Calhoun (former Utah starter), Dominick Kelly (played in 8 games at Georgia and played well!). If Jay Timmons lives up the five star hype, he could help out right away. Either way, I feel better about the group next year even with losing Iggy. We're deeper and more experienced across the board.
-You simply cannot replace Caleb Downs and the full effect of his departure won't be known until they actually play a game. Matt Patricia said Downs is the smartest player he's ever coached but we could be better by committee. Earl Little was all ACC in 2025. Terry Moore was all ACC in 2024 before he got injured and missed last year. Both guys could be getting ready for the draft right now if they wanted to. Blaine Bradford is much more what MP wants in a safety than Delane who he didn't recruit. Delane was a box safety and Bradford excels at the run and in coverage.
-Finally, let's hope Jason Moore still being on the roster means something. Maybe it means the light goes on for this guy going into his senior season. Maybe it means the staff really likes him and sees his potential. He probably could have commanded a lot of money out of the portal. If he figures it out he has the ability to be the best DL on the team. I'm not giving up on him yet.
