Eric Boggs
For those who follow Ohio State closely, it’s clear that the influence of Matt Patricia on the Buckeyes’ defense isn’t just coach-speak or offseason hype; it’s a sentiment echoed passionately by the players who lived it. As several former defensive standouts spoke this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, their praise painted a vivid picture of a coordinator whose value extended far beyond scheme and play-calling.
Former defensive end Caden Curry described Patricia as “everything” to his senior season, emphasizing not only football knowledge but personal investment. He credited the coach for building relationships with players’ families, mentoring them through the draft process, and providing mock interviews drawn from Patricia’s own professional experience in the NFL. That kind of preparation, Curry suggested, gave Buckeye defenders confidence entering one of the most scrutinized evaluations of their careers.
Linebacker Arvell Reese said Patricia’s teaching style offered a tangible competitive edge, noting he can now explain nearly every position’s responsibility within the defense. Defensive lineman Kayden McDonald pointed to the mental growth Patricia fostered, while linebacker Sonny Styles highlighted how the system’s terminology translates directly to pro-level meeting rooms. Those comments underscore why multiple Buckeye defenders dramatically improved their draft stock this past season, including Caleb Downs, who entered the year with first-round expectations and helped anchor a unit that finished No. 1 nationally in both scoring and total defense.
From a fan’s perspective, that dominance wasn’t accidental. Patricia’s scheme combined NFL complexity with college adaptability, allowing players to master assignments while still playing fast. Just as important, he cultivated trust. Former players repeatedly described him as a “players’ coach,” someone who checked in off the field as often as he corrected technique on it. That relational approach translated into poise on Saturdays and confidence during the pre-draft grind.
His commitment didn’t stop when the season ended. Patricia continued meeting with players virtually to walk through what they would encounter in interviews and whiteboard sessions with pro teams. That hands-on mentorship reinforced the sense that their coordinator was as invested in their futures as he was in the Buckeyes’ success.
Patricia’s return for the 2026 season comes at a pivotal time, with eight starters departing from last year’s elite defense. Yet the players who know his system best believe the next wave will maintain championship-level standards. Their confidence reflects not just optimism but experience with how quickly Patricia develops talent.
Even his personality has left a mark on the program’s culture. Custom sneakers designed by Nate O’Neill — featuring scarlet and gray accents and an illustration of Patricia with his trademark pencil behind his ear — symbolize the blend of swagger and substance he brings to the sideline. Patricia has already said he looks forward to debuting them this fall inside Ohio Stadium, a fitting stage for a coordinator whose first season in Columbus set the standard for modern Buckeye defense.
How long he remains in college football is uncertain, as strong seasons tend to attract NFL interest. But if the voices of his former players are any indication, Ohio State fans should savor every snap he’s on the sideline. In their eyes, Patricia isn’t just running a defense; he’s shaping professionals, and that combination is what makes his presence in Columbus so valuable.
