Ohio State secures Earl Little Jr. as potential key nickel defender

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 3:01 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Ohio State secures Earl Little Jr. as potential key nickel defender
Summary

Ohio State has acquired Earl Little Jr. from Florida State as a transfer. Little enjoyed a standout season, recording 76 tackles and four interceptions, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. His versatility and experience make him a likely candidate for the important nickel position in Ohio State’s defense under Matt Patricia. The coaching staff views this role as critical given modern offensive strategies, where the nickel defender often performs multiple tasks on the field. As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season, Little's integration into the defense will be closely monitored.

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By the Numbers
  • Earl Little Jr. recorded 76 tackles and four interceptions in 2025.
  • Ohio State aims to use him at the nickel position for the upcoming season.
  • Little was a consensus four-star recruit and transferred from Florida State.
  • Modern offenses require nickel defenders to perform diverse responsibilities.
  • His father, Earl Little Sr., was a former NFL defensive back.
Latest Updates
  • 3:01 PMYahoo SportsOhio State may have found its next chess piece on defense
What they're saying
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The former Florida State standout earned All-ACC honors as a safety, but his versatility, physicality, and coverage ability could make him the ideal nickel defender in Matt Patricia's Ohio State defense.

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