Ohio State's Intense Culture Shocks Transfer Earl Little Jr.

Former Alabama and Florida State player says Buckeyes' training regimen is on another level.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:16pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an Ohio State football training session, with sharp geometric shapes in deep red, silver, and black conveying the intense, high-energy atmosphere.An intense, competitive training culture has been a hallmark of Ohio State football under head coach Ryan Day.Columbus Today

Earl Little Jr., a transfer defensive back who has played at Alabama and Florida State, says he has never experienced a training culture as intense as the one at Ohio State. Little noted that the level of competition in the weight room and throughout the team's offseason program is far beyond what he saw at his previous schools.

Why it matters

Ohio State is known for its rigorous training regimen under head coach Ryan Day, which has helped the Buckeyes maintain their status as one of the top programs in college football. Little's comments provide a rare insider's perspective on just how demanding the culture is in Columbus, which could give insight into why Ohio State consistently produces NFL-caliber talent.

The details

According to Little, the level of competition at Ohio State, even in the weight room, is unparalleled compared to his previous stops. "At Alabama, we didn't compete in the weight room how we do here. Literally with everything you're doing at Ohio State, you're gonna compete and you have to be your best every single day," he said.

  • Little spent two seasons at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban from 2022-2023.
  • He then transferred to Florida State, where he played the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
  • Little joined the Ohio State program as a transfer ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Earl Little Jr.

A defensive back who has played at Alabama, Florida State, and is now at Ohio State as a transfer.

Nick Saban

The head football coach at the University of Alabama.

Ryan Day

The head football coach at Ohio State University.

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What they’re saying

“At Alabama, we didn't compete in the weight room how we do here. Literally with everything you're doing at Ohio State, you're gonna compete and you have to be your best every single day.”

— Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Defensive Back

The takeaway

Little's comments highlight the intense, competitive culture that Ohio State has cultivated under Ryan Day, which has been a key factor in the program's sustained success. This level of rigor and drive to be the best could provide insight into why the Buckeyes consistently produce NFL-caliber talent.