Earl Little Jr. earns praise for potential at Ohio State
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 1:31 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Earl Little Jr., the leading tackler from Florida State last season, has transitioned to Ohio State, where he has taken on the nickel position. During spring practices, he has received significant recognition for his physical play, leadership, and versatility in the secondary. With the departure of several key players, including Caleb Downs, Little's role becomes crucial as the Buckeyes look to rebuild their defense. He aims to elevate his status from a second-team All-ACC safety to a first-team All-Big Ten contender and All-American candidate in the upcoming season.
- •Little led Florida State with 76 tackles and four interceptions last season.
- •He was a prominent recruit, ranked among the top cornerbacks in his class.
- •Ohio State's secondary is undergoing significant changes and looking for leadership.
- •Little's physical style is expected to make an immediate impact on defense.
- •He has already emerged as one of Ohio State's spring standout players.
- 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — Don’t sleep on Earl Little Jr. and his All-American potential at Ohio State
"Florida State's leading tackler last season, Earl Little Jr. now gets the keys to Ohio State's nickel spot, and the versatility to become the most disruptive piece in Matt Patricia's rebuilt secondary.
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