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Ohio State football must replace unanimous All-American defensive tackle Kayden McDonald in 2026 — and that's no small task.

In this episode of our Buckeyes Roster Reset series, we break down the entire Ohio State defensive tackle room heading into the 2026 season, including:

• How the Buckeyes replace Kayden McDonald's production (65 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks)

• The impact of losing Tywone Malone and multiple portal departures

• Why Ohio State hit the transfer portal hard for John Walker (UCF) and James Smith (Alabama)

• Whether Eddrick Houston is ready for a breakout Year 3

• The role of Will Smith Jr. in the nose tackle rotation

• Freshman upside from Damari Simeon and Emanuel Ruffin

• Projected 2026 snap counts for every defensive tackle

• How Ohio State's DT rotation could look under Matt Patricia

• Can the Buckeyes recreate McDonald's impact "in the aggregate"?

Ohio State has replaced NFL defensive tackles before — Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton — and actually upgraded. But replacing a unanimous All-American nose tackle is a different challenge entirely.

Will John Walker take over at nose? Can James Smith become the next disruptive SEC transfer star? Is this Eddrick Houston's breakout season?

We analyze the depth chart, rotation strategy, and what it means for Ohio State's championship hopes in 2026.

Subscribe for more Ohio State football analysis, recruiting updates, roster resets, depth chart projections, and Buckeyes 2026 season previews.

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Thursday, February 13, 2026

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