Spring practice is in the rearview mirror, and the countdown to the 2026 college football season is officially on. While the headlines have been dominated by Ohio State's aggressive moves in the transfer portal, the real foundation for a national title run might just be the talent already in the building. We already looked at five freshmen who could turn heads this fall; now, it's time to shine a light on five returning Buckeyes on defense who are ready to take center stage.
Even with head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia loading up on veteran transfers, the heart of this defense still beats with players who have been grinding in Columbus for years. These are the guys who have paid their dues, learned from NFL-bound stars, and are now ready to step into the spotlight. Here are five returning defenders primed for a massive 2026 campaign.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Defensive End
For his first few seasons, Jackson patiently waited behind future pros J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. 2025 was supposed to be his breakout, and while it started a bit slow, the Miami native finished strong. In his first full year as a starter, Jackson racked up 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, proving he can be a force off the edge. Last year, the headlines went to Caden Curry, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles. This season? The highlight reels belong to Jackson. With a brutal schedule ahead, he'll have countless chances to disrupt backfields and climb NFL draft boards. As a graduate student, this is his last ride in Columbus—expect him to go out with a bang.
Payton Pierce, Linebacker
Pierce was essentially Ohio State's third starter at linebacker last season, playing behind two guys who just heard their names called in the NFL Draft's top 10. Despite that, he still managed 44 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Those are impressive numbers for a player sharing the field with elite talent. Even with Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro joining the room, there's no question: this is Pierce's defense now. He's ready to lead the linebacker corps, and fans should expect a massive leap in production.