Eric Boggs
With spring football just around the corner, anticipation is building at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center as Ohio State gears up for another championship run. Among the many storylines emerging this offseason, two standout freshmen on the defensive side of the ball are already turning heads: cornerback Devin Sanchez and linebacker Riley Pettijohn.
According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos, these two young Buckeyes have made an immediate impression in winter workouts. Strength coach Mickey Marotti has labeled them “dudes dudes”—high praise for a pair of players yet to take a snap at the collegiate level. As Ohio State looks to reload its defense following key departures to the NFL and transfer portal, Sanchez and Pettijohn appear poised to contribute early.
Devin Sanchez: A Potential Day-One Starter
Sanchez, a five-star recruit from North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, arrived in Columbus as the nation’s top-ranked cornerback. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, he possesses the ideal combination of length, athleticism, and football IQ to thrive in the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Ohio State has a history of freshmen making an impact at cornerback, with Denzel Burke starting in his first game as a freshman in 2021. Sanchez appears to be following in those footsteps. With Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock departing for the NFL, there is an open competition at cornerback. Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Davison Igbinosun are expected to be the early favorites for starting roles, but Sanchez will be firmly in the mix.
His skill set suggests he could fit in multiple roles—whether as a boundary corner, nickel defender, or rotational piece in Matt Patricia’s secondary. Given his pedigree and Marotti’s praise, Sanchez might be one of the most significant freshman contributors on the Buckeyes’ roster in 2025.
Riley Pettijohn: A Promising Future at Linebacker
While Sanchez may have a clearer path to immediate playing time, Pettijohn’s arrival is equally significant. The 6-foot-1.5, 215-pound linebacker from McKinney High School in Texas was a high four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 linebacker in the 2025 class. Ohio State successfully fended off Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and several SEC powers to land his commitment.
Unlike cornerback, where early playing time is more common, linebacker is a more cerebral position that requires significant development. With veterans like Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Peyton Pierce expected to play key roles, Pettijohn may face a tougher battle to crack the two-deep immediately. However, his athleticism and physicality could allow him to contribute on special teams and in rotational packages as the season progresses.
Under the guidance of linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, Pettijohn is in an ideal environment to develop into a future star. While it may take time for him to carve out a major role, his presence in winter workouts suggests he is on the right trajectory.
The Buckeyes’ Youth Movement on Defense
With a significant amount of turnover on defense, Ohio State will be relying on young talent to step up in 2025. The Buckeyes have assembled one of the most impressive defensive recruiting classes in recent memory, and early returns suggest that Sanchez and Pettijohn are among the group’s brightest stars.
While winter workouts are only the first step, Marotti’s praise is an encouraging sign. Now, the challenge for these young standouts will be translating their offseason momentum into on-field production. As Ohio State fans look ahead to the spring game and the 2025 season, all eyes will be on these two freshmen to see if they can rise to the challenge and become key contributors for the Buckeyes’ defense.
One thing is clear—Ohio State’s defensive future is in good hands.
