Buckeyes Land a Big One in the Portal: Terry Moore Coming Over from Duke

 The transfer portal has been giving Ohio State fans some huge presents lately. Just today—January 12, 2026—former Duke safety Terry Moore declared his move to Columbus. This guy's a true game-changer and after the departure of some important defenders the Buckeyes required the very same addition. It has been a matter of discussion among people, and to tell the truth, it gives the impression that Ryan Day is already set for another championship run without having to wait.

Moore's Path: From Duke Star to Buckeye Hopeful

When you contemplate Terry Moore's tale, it appears to be quite an exciting one. The massive guy of 6-foot height and 200-pound weight began his college journey at Duke as a running back in 2022 – indeed, you heard it correctly. But then he chose to make a shift to the secondary and this was the spot where he truly shone in 2023. The year 2024 was the turning point in his career: huge heap of tackles (71), 7 tackled for loss, 4 interceptions, forced fumbles, you name it. He received second-team All-ACC recognition and his name was even mentioned in All-America debates. His PFF grade was ridiculous—90.1, best among Power Four safeties that year.

Then came the tough part: he tore his ACL in Duke's bowl game after the 2024 season (the Gator Bowl against Ole Miss, where he actually had a huge pick-six return before going down). He sat out all of 2025 recovering, but now he's got that final year of eligibility and he's ready to go. Reports say he's on track health-wise, and with Ohio State's training staff, I'd bet on him being back to full speed.

This move comes right on the heels of another big safety pickup—Earl Little Jr. from Florida State committed just yesterday. Two former All-ACC guys in back-to-back days? That's not an accident. The staff is clearly targeting veteran talent to steady the secondary.

What He Actually Brings to Columbus

Look, Moore isn't some project or depth guy—he's proven. Versatile as heck: he can cover, tackle in the box, blitz, you name it. Those 2024 numbers don't lie—he was disruptive and smart. For a defense that was elite in 2025 under Matt Patricia (No. 1 in the country in a bunch of categories), but now has to replace stars like Caleb Downs (who just declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and is projected as a top-10 pick), Moore fills a real need.

The ACL thing is the only real question mark, but come on—he's young, motivated, and landing in a program like this with top-tier resources. If he gets back to even close to his 2024 form, he's going to be a difference-maker. Imagine him flying around with the rest of that unit? Scary for the Big Ten.

The Safety Room Right Now: Who's Left and Who's Coming

The secondary took some hits this offseason. Caleb Downs is gone to the pros after two unreal years (two-time unanimous All-American—insane). Then you had guys like Malik Hartford and Faheem Delane hitting the portal themselves, so depth got thin quick.

But the good news? Jaylen McClain is back and ready to anchor things. The guy's been a starter, played big snaps alongside Downs last year, and he's got that experience now. He's probably the strong safety leader moving forward.

You've also got younger pieces like redshirt sophomore Leroy Roker III, who saw some action and has upside, plus a few freshmen/redshirts waiting in the wings (Deshawn Stewart, Cody Haddad, etc.).

Now throw in Moore and Earl Little Jr.—both battle-tested All-ACC transfers—and suddenly the room looks a lot deeper and more veteran. Not many players might challenge Little for the free safety or nickel spots, but Moore might be able to claim a starting role right away with his production. There is a good combination of both rookies and experienced players; however, this is precisely what you need if you want to retain your elite status.

Why This Feels Like a Game-Changer for 2026

Ohio State wrapped up 2025 at 12-2, with that Cotton Bowl loss to Miami stinging a bit after such a dominant defense all year. But losing guys to the draft and portal happens—it's the new normal. The key is responding, and Day's staff has been aggressive. Seven portal additions already, and Moore is one of the best ones.

This feels like the piece that keeps the defense humming under Patricia (who, by the way, is reportedly in talks for a big extension—smart move after what he did in year one). If Moore stays healthy and buys in, the Buckeyes could have one of the scariest secondaries in the country again.

Portal season is wild, but moves like this are why Ohio State stays in the title conversation every year. What do you guys think—is Moore going to start right away, or is he more of a rotation beast? Either way, Go Bucks. This offseason is heating up fast!

Angelo Smith Heads to Ohio State to Team Up with His Brother Jeremiah

Man, what a cool story – Angelo Smith, the younger brother of Ohio State star wideout Jeremiah Smith, just committed to the Buckeyes for the class of 2027. He's a safety out of the same high school in Florida, and it's awesome to see him following in his bro's footsteps. Announced it on a Sunday evening, and yeah, it's another big get for Coach Ryan Day and the crew in Columbus.

Brothers United in Buckeye Land

Angelo's a 5-10, 165-pound kid from Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida – the same spot that cranked out Jeremiah. That school's turning into a real feeder for OSU talent. As a sophomore, Angelo put up solid stats: 40 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and three picks. Not bad at all for a guy who's still growing into his role. Honestly, this feels like a no-brainer with the family angle. Jeremiah was a beast coming out of high school – one of the top recruits since ESPN started ranking in 2006. He hit the ground running as a freshman in 2024, smashing records with 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 TDs, helping OSU snag that national title. Now in his sophomore year here in 2025, he's already got 20 grabs for 315 yards and three scores in just three games. Kid's a stud. I bet Angelo's pumped to play with his brother for at least a bit before Jeremiah probably bolts to the pros. No direct quotes from them yet, but you can just picture the family vibes pushing this decision.

How the Recruiting Shook Out

Angelo's a three-star safety with offers from places like Miami, Oklahoma State, Georgia State, and Toledo. He's got that versatility – could stick at safety or slide around the secondary. Scouts say he's got great instincts and speed, and with some coaching from Matt Patricia, he could turn into something special. He's the third commit for OSU's 2027 class, joining studs like five-star WR Jamier Brown (No. 2 in ESPN's Junior 300) and QB Brady Edmunds (second-best pocket passer). The Buckeyes are rolling early, and their 2026 class is already stacked with 13 ESPN 300 guys, sitting at No. 9 nationally. Under Ryan Day, Ohio State's recruiting is on fire, pulling in top kids from everywhere. They're No. 1 in the AP poll right now, coming off a bye and gearing up for Washington in Week 5 – that kind of success just draws in more talent like the Smiths.

What's Next: A Smith Family Takeover?

This commitment's all about family, growth, and chasing rings. Jeremiah's killing it, and Angelo gets to learn from him up close – could be the start of a new Smith dynasty in Columbus. As the 2027 class fills out, watch for more big names. For now, Buckeye fans are stoked about another Smith joining the squad. Go Bucks!