The Ohio State Buckeyes have boasted the best defensive front in all of College Football. Throughout the 2025 season, the Buckeyes have been uncracked, holding opposing offenses to a NCAA low 213 yards per game, on an average of 3.94 yards per play.
The main catalyst for Ohio State’s smothering defense has come from their elite linebacker core of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, who both are projected to be day one selections during the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. While Styles and Reese have been turning heads this year- what if I told you there was another backer lower on the depth chat can provide just as much of an impact when he gets his chance?
Meet Tarvos “TJ” Alford, a 6 foot 1 freshman from Vero Beach. During his high school career, TJ Alford was the most feared defender in all of Florida, and for good reason. During his junior year campaign (2023), Alford recorded 114 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, earning the TC Palm’s Defensive Player of the Year. Leading into his senior season, Alford was rated as a 4-Star top 100 prospect in the 2025 class, before committing to the Buckeyes. TJ would go onto be named as the pre season #2 player on the ESPN West Palm Top 63, alongside the NewEraPrep #1 Player in the Treasure Coasts.
His senior year was just as impressive, as Tarvos Alford would record yet another 100+ tackle year, and led his Vero Beach Fighting Indians to a notable upset win over Palm Beach Central in the FHSAA 7A Regional Semi Final.
When you turn on the tape it’s evidently clear just how good TJ Alford is. Alford methodically flies around the field, disrupting basically every play and hitting with a bone crushing intensity. I’ve never said this about an athlete before, but I was convinced TJ Alford knew the opposing offense’s playbook better than the QB did.
In his first year as a Buckeye, TJ Alford has appeared in 4 games, recording at least one tackle in each. During yesterday’s availability at Cotton Bowl Media Day, I had the opportunity to catch up with Tarvos, along with Arvell Reese to reflect on these last few months in Columbus. After speaking with both athlete’s you could tell that each of them have had a positive impact on each other’s development this past year.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from Sonny {Styles} and Arvrell {Reese} is how they study the game. Their intensity and their attention to details is another.” Alford shared with me. “I’m blessed to have guys like them showing me the ropes.”
“TJ is really realizing what he can do out there. Over the last couple of months, TJ’s been so aggressive. He’s coming along great.” teammate Arvell Reese stated. “He’s aggressive with his hands. His arms are long and strong. His feet are quick. He’s really good at getting off blocks and making the play.”
The future is bright at the Horseshoe because when Tarvos Alford gets his opportunity to line up, you know he’s going to make a play.
