Eric Boggs
The Ohio State football team made significant improvements to their safety position during the offseason. They recruited Caleb Downs from Alabama, who was recognized as a Freshman All-American. Downs is expected to start alongside Lathan Ransom, forming what many believe to be one of the top safety duos in the nation. This enhancement is anticipated to greatly strengthen the Buckeyes’ secondary.
The Buckeyes faced a setback earlier in the spring transfer portal window with the departure of veteran safety Ja’Hard Carter. Even though Downs and Ransom might be the best safety duo in the country on paper, losing Carter has affected the depth on the backend of the defense.
Ohio State is actively seeking further enhancements at the position due to depth needs and available scholarships. While they haven’t finalized any additions from the Spring transfer window, they are actively communicating with potential candidates. One notable prospect they are in contact with is Jacoby Mathews, the top-ranked safety currently available in the transfer portal.
Jacoby Mathews, previously with Texas A&M, has received interest from a dozen schools, including Oregon, Florida State, Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State. As a former five-star recruit, Mathews has showcased his talent over the past two seasons at Texas A&M, recording 67 tackles and an interception.
Although Mathews wouldn’t immediately start this season, joining Ohio State could position him for a starting role in 2025. Additionally, his presence would provide valuable depth and insurance, particularly considering Lathan Ransom’s injury history.
With Mathews now in the transfer portal, he has the flexibility to evaluate his options without a strict timeline. However, enrolling sooner rather than later would benefit him, allowing ample time to familiarize himself with the playbook and assess his position on the depth chart.
While Coach Ryan Day hasn’t explicitly stated intentions to recruit from the transfer portal, he remains open to the possibility. The team’s decisions regarding potential additions will likely unfold in the upcoming weeks.
