Ex-Alabama DT James Smith says OSU reminded him of Saban's Alabama

One of the biggest transfer portal additions for Ohio State football this offseason was former Alabama defensive lineman James Smith. The 6'2, 214 lb now senior was the No. 9 overall prospect in the transfer portal and the No. 1 defensive lineman according to 247 Sports. The Buckeyes are hoping he can shore up the d-line in 2026 following stud defensive tackle Kayden McDonald's departure to the NFL Draft.

Smith met with the Ohio State media for the first time on Thursday, March 26, following practice, and touched on several topics, including why he chose Columbus and what the experience of visiting reminded him of.

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A big part of his recruitment came down to All-American safety Caleb Downs, whom Smith called his "brother" and credited with a heavy role in his decision. According to Smith, everything Downs told him about Ohio State has checked out. The connection makes plenty of sense considering both players arrived at Alabama together in 2023 as freshmen under Nick Saban, making Downs the perfect person to sell Smith on what life in Columbus is actually like.

James Smith called Caleb Downs his “brother” and said he spoke to the Ohio State All-American before transferring to the Buckeyes. Smith said everything Downs said to sell him on Ohio State has been true so far.

— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) March 26, 2026

Smith also opened up about his official visit to Ohio State before he committed, drawing a comparison that carries some real weight. He likened the feeling of sitting down with Ryan Day and the Buckeyes program to the same feeling he had visiting Alabama and Nick Saban out of high school.

"It kinda gave me like that feeling back when I visited as a freshman with Saban, it kinda felt like that. Because here, I ain't gonna lie, I came here, they didn't lie to me not one time," said Smith.

Ohio State DT James Smith compares his experience visiting Ohio State to visiting Alabama under Nick Saban. pic.twitter.com/Bz7vVpd6cH

— Juck (@JuckOnBucks) March 26, 2026

That is a significant endorsement. Comparing Ryan Day's program to the Saban-era Alabama machine is not something a player says lightly, and it speaks to how seriously Ohio State is approaching a national championship run in 2026. Smith should slot in nicely at defensive tackle in Matt Patricia's defense and figures to make an immediate impact.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ex-Alabama DT James Smith says OSU reminded him of Saban's Alabama

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