Eric Boggs
Two weeks before the Buckeyes open their season against top-ranked Texas, Ohio State cornerbacks coach Tim Walton believes his unit is ready for the spotlight. Despite losing key veteran Denzel Burke to the NFL, Walton says the Buckeyes’ secondary is deeper, faster, and more competitive than ever heading into the 2025 season.
“We feel good about the guys we’ve got,” Walton said during his recent media session. “There’s a lot of competition every day, and that’s what we want. The talent is there, but more importantly, the work ethic and focus have been outstanding.”
The leader of the group is returning starter Davison Igbinosun, who transferred from Ole Miss after his freshman season quickly become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense. Walton praised Igbinosun’s maturity and approach to his preparation.
“Davison’s been huge for us,” Walton said. “He came in (two years ago,) learned the system, and got better every week. Now he’s one of our veterans. His communication, his leadership, and the way he attacks practice — that’s what you want from a guy in his position.”
With Burke gone, much of the focus shifts to who will step up opposite Igbinosun. Walton highlighted Jermaine Mathews Jr. as one of the players making the biggest strides this offseason.
“Jermaine’s really grown,” Walton said. “Last year, he got thrown into some big moments as a freshman, and he handled himself well. Now, you see the confidence, the technique, the attention to detail — he’s taking the next step.”
Redshirt freshman Aaron Scott Jr. has also been a standout in camp and could play a significant role early. One of the nation’s top-ranked recruits, Scott has already earned Walton’s trust with his competitiveness and football IQ.
“Aaron’s got that mindset we love,” Walton said. “He wants to go against the best, and he doesn’t back down. Every rep is a learning experience for him, and he’s picking things up fast. The ceiling for him is really high.”
Walton also mentioned Caleb Downs, the former five-star safety who transferred from Alabama, as a difference-maker in the back end. Alongside Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain, the Buckeyes have one of the most versatile safety groups in the country.
“Caleb’s been outstanding,” Walton said. “He brings experience, instincts, and a calmness to the field. We can do a lot more with our coverages and disguise looks.”
This versatility could be critical when the Buckeyes face the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns on August 31. Texas boasts one of the deepest receiving corps in the country, led by explosive playmakers capable of stretching the field. Walton acknowledged the challenge but sees it as an opportunity for his group to prove itself.
“That’s what you come to Ohio State for — games like this,” Walton said. “Texas has great receivers and a great quarterback, but we embrace the challenge. We’re going to compete, we’re going to be aggressive, and we’re going to trust our preparation.”
The biggest difference in the 2025 secondary compared to past seasons, according to Walton, is the level of internal competition. With Igbinosun, Mathews, Scott, Downs, McClain, and Hartford all pushing each other daily, the unit is deeper and more battle-tested than at any point in recent memory.
“Every rep matters, every day matters,” Walton said. “The guys know that nothing is given. If you want to play here, you’ve got to earn it. That mindset is what’s making us better.”
For Buckeye fans, this revamped secondary represents a fresh start. Walton’s group has the talent, leadership, and confidence to make the secondary into a major strength. With a top-three showdown in Columbus looming, the Buckeyes will soon find out just how ready they are.
