Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into spring ball with plenty of questions surrounding their defense, particularly after the departure of several key contributors to the NFL. The defensive two-deep is beginning to take shape, but with a new defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, there remains uncertainty about the scheme and how certain players will be utilized.
The defensive line appears to have a solidified starting four, with Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson lining up at defensive end, while Kayden McDonald and highly touted freshman Eddrick Houston anchor the interior. The two-deep presents more intrigue, as veteran Tywone Malone Jr. and Jason Moore will likely be the primary backups at tackle, with Will Smith Jr. and Eric Mensah providing additional depth. The defensive end rotation could see some changes, with Logan George and Dominic Kirk’s currently holding spots, but players like Zion Grady and Joshua Mickens could push for playing time.
At linebacker, Ohio State will have a mix of youth and experience. Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are projected to start, with CJ Hicks potentially moving between linebacker and defensive end depending on the scheme. If the Buckeyes deploy a 4-3 defense, Hicks could slot in at SAM linebacker. In a 4-2-5 scheme, Peyton Pierce is likely to join Styles in the middle, with Garrett Stover providing key depth. The linebacker room has undergone a rebuild, and young players like Riley Pettijohn could make an immediate impact as a freshman.
The secondary remains one of the more interesting units, with possible position changes and a battle for starting spots. The early projections have Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr. as the starting cornerbacks, Lorenzo Styles Jr. or Malik Hartford at nickel, and a safety tandem of Jaylen McClain (strong safety) and Caleb Downs (free safety). Depth options include highly touted freshmen Devin Sanchez Jr. and Aaron Scott Jr. at cornerback, with Miles Lockhart as a nickel backup. The safety depth includes Faheem Delane and Bryce West could also be a factor at cornerback.
A major question for Ohio State is whether the defense can maintain the elite production it had last season, particularly in the second half of the year when it ranked as the top unit in the nation. The loss of eight NFL-caliber players, including leaders like Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Tyleik Williams, will undoubtedly create challenges. While the Buckeyes still boast high-level talent, the uncertainty surrounding Patricia’s play-calling and adjustments will determine whether this group remains a top-10 defense or takes a step back.
One of the biggest areas of concern is at nickel, where Styles Jr. will have to prove he can replace the reliability of Jordan Hancock, who rarely made mistakes in coverage. The defensive backfield is deep but will need younger players to step up quickly. The lack of clarity around the scheme is another factor; if Patricia makes major changes, the defense could experience growing pains early in the season.
The true test will come in Week 1 when Ohio State faces Texas in what will be an early measuring stick for how well the Buckeyes’ new-look defense is coming together. The talent is in place, but the transition from Jim Knowles’ system to Patricia’s could determine whether Ohio State’s defense can continue to be a strength or if the unit will take a noticeable step back in 2024.
