Five Buckeyes With Most To Gain In Fall Camp On Defense

Which Ohio State defenders have the most to gain during fall camp?Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their fall camp preview series by identifying five Buckeyes who could dramatically improve their roles, secure starting jobs, or force their way into the defensive rotation before the 2026 season begins.The discussion starts at defensive end, where Zion Grady has an opportunity to establish himself opposite Kenyatta Jackson. But he is not alone. Beau Atkinson, Epi Sitanilei, and Qua Russaw are also fighting for meaningful snaps in a position group still searching for answers.Tony and Tom then turn to linebacker, where Riley Pettijohn, T.J. Alford, and Christian Alliegro all have significant opportunities. Can Pettijohn make up for missing the spring? Could Alford build on the ground he gained? And will Alliegro prove he can be a dependable three-down linebacker?In the secondary, Leroy Roker has a chance to force Ohio State to find a role for him, while Dominick Kelly could establish himself as the Buckeyes’ third cornerback. Cameron Calhoun also enters camp with an opportunity to use his experience to climb the depth chart.Which Ohio State defender has the most to gain in fall camp? Let us know in the comments.0:00 — Fall camp is almost here0:28 — Which defenders have the most to gain?1:11 — Zion Grady’s opportunity at defensive end2:39 — Beau Atkinson and the battle opposite Kenyatta Jackson4:08 — Riley Pettijohn’s chance at linebacker5:57 — T.J. Alford and Christian Alliegro enter the competition8:05 — Why the third linebacker role matters9:18 — Leroy Roker’s opportunity in the secondary10:26 — Could Roker earn a regular rotational role?11:21 — Dominick Kelly and the third cornerback job13:09 — Cameron Calhoun’s chance to make a move15:06 — Why the opening days of camp matter so much15:34 — Final thoughts before fall camp beginsSubscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.