Former 5-star tells why he chose Ohio State after leaving Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr. - Imagn Images

Alabama fans have seen the best of the best – in terms of players – and those that did not pan out; however, the worst feeling they have is for the ones that got away.

It has been a few years since the 2023 recruiting class, yet some Crimson Tide fans remain distraught about former five-star Peter Woods not staying in the state of Alabama during his recruitment. The talented defensive tackle chose Dabo Swinney and Clemson and the rest is history. Alabama lost a packaged deal to the NCAA transfer portal from its 2023 class.

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James Smith and Qua Russaw, both Montgomery (Ala.) natives from Carver High School, arrived on campus for Nick Saban to develop. They had one year with the seven-time national champion, but spent the last two seasons under Kalen DeBoer.

Both got extensive playing time and were viewed as leaders for this year’s team; nevertheless, they felt Alabama was not the place for them to be successful. Some wondered how the Tide let both walk to Ohio State. Smith, a defensive tackle, recently opened up to reporters on why the Buckeyes was the best decision for him after leaving Alabama.

“When I came to visit it felt like [Nick Saban’s Alabama],” Smith said about his decision to choose the Buckeyes.

James Smith on his decision to transfer from Alabama to Ohio State:

🗣️ “When I came to visit it felt like [Nick Saban’s Alabama]…The intensity is different. Everything is so intentional.” pic.twitter.com/xExXRpAlTG

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) March 26, 2026

“When I came here, they did not lie to me. Not one time. Coach Larry Johnson told me ‘it is going to be hard here.’ I was okay with that. The intensity is different. Everything is so intentional.”

This statement could hurt the emotions of Alabama fans because it makes them wonder if DeBoer is intense enough on the players. Smith finished his junior season with production at Alabama – posting 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup, but he credits Ryan Day’s process as being more intense and intentional. 

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It will be interesting to see how Smith performs in the fall and if Alabama meets the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.