TJ Alford, Riley Pettijohn and the next Ohio State combo to watch in 2026

The second-year Buckeyes look like the No. 3 and No. 4 linebackers for this season, so what will that mean for their chances on the field?

Second-year linebacker TJ Alford is fighting for a role with the Ohio State defense in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State football)

COLUMBUS — They were ranked as the No. 2 and and No. 18 linebacker recruits in the Class of 2025, one from Texas, the other from Florida, and now they are another Buckeye combo to ponder, two Ohio State second-year players who could do something now.

What’s in store for Riley Pettijohn (No. 2 recruit, Texas guy) and TJ Alford (No. 18 recruit, Florida guy) in 2026?

Emerging from the shadows of two linebacker phenoms in 2025, Pettijohn and Alford lie somewhere between backups who might play a bit and true contributors who will matter for the 2026 Buckeyes. The lean is toward contributors, but they are pretty clearly the pairing occupying Ohio State’s No. 3 linebacker spot.

Payton Pierce (Year 3) and Christian Alliegro (Year 4) are the top two. How much room will there be on the field for 3A and 3B? How often will the Buckeyes play three linebackers?