From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Then vs. Now. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our Then vs. Now articles here.
For nearly two decades, Larry Johnson has built defensive lines that have defined Ohio State football.
From Cameron Heyward and John Simon to Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Chase Young, Sam Hubbard, Zach Harrison, J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. The Buckeyes have consistently developed elite defensive linemen capable of taking over games and eventually becoming NFL stars.
So a lot of offseasons in Columbus bring the same question. Who is next? This year, the answer may not be one player. It may be an entire unit.
Ohio State enters 2026 replacing several proven veterans from last year's defense, but unlike previous years, the Buckeyes are not relying on one or two stars by themselves to carry the front. Instead, they have ****** embled what might be Larry Johnson's deepest defensive line in years, blending experienced veterans, former five-star recruits, elite transfers and some of the most talented young edge rushers in the country.

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