Eric Boggs
Matt Patricia didn’t just arrive in Columbus to shake things up — he came to build something. Two days into fall camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the former NFL head coach and longtime Patriots defensive coordinator is already making his presence felt in ways both schematic and deeply personal. For Buckeye fans hoping this unit doesn’t take a step backward following the exit of Jim Knowles, Patricia’s early imprint should be a reassuring sign.
“I think our guys are really doing a great job with the installations,” Patricia said Friday. “We’re going pretty quick, but they’re handling the information on the field. That to me is a sign of a smart team that can handle those adjustments.”
Patricia’s attention to detail is already paying dividends. Thanks to a strong foundation built during Ohio State’s summer OTAs, communication has been sharp across the defense. That precision is crucial as the Buckeyes begin installing more complex concepts ahead of their Week 1 showdown against Texas. “You’re always a little bit different when you go against the offense and things are moving faster,” Patricia noted. “We need as much of that as possible to get our communication down.”
Nowhere is that communication more important than in the secondary, where the versatility of veteran safety Caleb Downs continues to unlock possibilities. “Caleb is such a versatile player,” Patricia explained. “His ability to communicate — we have words that settle everything down. That’s critical. Otherwise, everyone’s like, ‘Where are we going and how does this all fit?’”
Patricia is clearly enjoying the luxury of depth in the safety room, something that allows for experimentation with players like Malik Hartford and Jyaire Brown as well. “The biggest thing for them is just improving every day,” Patricia said. “The hardest part is getting the game to slow down. That only comes with reps, and we have to simulate that now before Week 1.”
One area where reps are currently in high demand is on the defensive line — particularly with standout sophomore Eddrick Houston sidelined. While Patricia didn’t provide a timeline for Houston’s return, he did express cautious optimism. “He was walking around out there today with a brace,” he said. “It’s always good when they’re out there. We were talking through communication and watching the play. So he’s getting really good mental reps too.”
That absence, while unfortunate, opens doors for others. “Right now, it’s opportunity for other guys to go out and show us what they can do,” Patricia added. With pads going on Saturday, Buckeye fans should keep an eye on how names like Tywone Malone Jr., Will Smith Jr., and Jason Moore rise to the occasion.
Patricia emphasized that there’s still plenty of learning going on for both players and coaches — especially in adjusting to the nuances of college football. From formation spacing due to wider hash marks to managing game-day operations without the benefit of preseason scrimmages, the former NFL coach is recalibrating quickly.
“I never really appreciated those preseason games in the NFL,” Patricia admitted. “But right now, I’m wishing we had one… We’ve got to hit the ground running against Texas. Our guys have done it before — I’m probably the one who’s nervous.”
If he is, he doesn’t show it. Patricia’s natural leadership, attention to detail, and mentorship already seem to be resonating throughout the facility. Players like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — praised for his emerging leadership — are already feeding off his energy. “From day one, Kenyatta stepped forward and said, ‘Let me be in front. Let me do the drill first.’ That kind of example sets the standard,” Patricia said.
At the heart of it all is Patricia’s renewed passion for teaching and connecting — something reignited during a self-described sabbatical last year. “I got into coaching because I really wanted to teach and mentor,” he reflected. “And being around young men, helping them in football and in life — that’s what drew me back to the college game.”
He’s all-in on Ohio State, and from the looks of things, the players are responding in kind. With foundational pieces like Caleb Downs quarterbacking the secondary and a wealth of versatile pass rushers — including transfer Beau Atkinson and returning contributors Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — Patricia’s defense is being built to adapt, attack, and communicate at a high level.
As camp intensifies, it’s not hard to envision Patricia’s NFL-hardened but emotionally invested approach giving the Buckeyes the kind of defensive edge they will need this season.
