Ohio State’s Earl Little Jr. Named a Breakout Candidate for 2026

The landscape of college football is evolving rapidly, largely due to the rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness deals. This season, Ohio State has welcomed 51 new players to its roster, illustrating the trend of swift roster changes that many programs are adopting.

Fox Sports has taken a shot at forecasting which players might shine in the upcoming season, and one Ohio State athlete, Earl Little Jr., has made the list of top breakout candidates. Michael Cohen, the author of the piece, highlighted Little’s potential as he transitions into the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme.

Little, a transfer from Florida State, is poised to make a significant impact in Columbus. Cohen noted that Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, has brought in 17 new players this offseason, contributing to the team's seventh-best transfer class in college football. This influx of talent comes in response to the departures of seven players to the NFL, including standout safety Caleb Downs.

Despite the challenges faced by Florida State in recent seasons, Little emerged as a versatile player in the secondary, effectively filling various roles. His experience includes playing free safety, box safety, and slot cornerback, making him a strong candidate to assume Downs' dynamic position. Although he missed the end of spring practice due to a minor knee surgery, his prospects remain bright.

Originally a four-star recruit in high school, Little began his collegiate career at Alabama before transferring to Florida State. His impressive performance last season earned him second-team All-ACC honors. As the new season approaches, Ohio State coaches and players have expressed confidence in Little's ability to adapt and contribute significantly to the defense.

For more insights on other breakout candidates for the 2026 season, you can check out Cohen’s full list on FoxSports.com.