COLUMBUS, Ohio — Matt Patricia is heading back to the college ranks for the first time in more than two decades, taking the reins of an Ohio State defense undergoing major transformation.
With just three returning starters, this unit is full of fresh faces looking to step up as leaders and playmakers. But beyond personnel changes, could the Buckeyes be on the brink of a defensive identity shift?
Long tied to a traditional base defense, Ohio State may now be embracing a more versatile, multiple-look approach. If so, Patricia’s extensive NFL experience makes him an ideal choice to lead the transition as Ryan Day’s new defensive coordinator.
Armed with new talent and the freedom to innovate, Patricia has a chance to reshape how the Buckeyes play defense in 2025.
Defensive End
Starters: Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson
Backups: Caden Curry, C.J. Hicks
Kenyatta Jackson appears poised for a breakout season that could put him squarely on NFL radars by next spring. After three years behind two former five-star talents, his time has come—and Ohio State needs him to step up in a big way after losing Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, who combined for 21 sacks and 115 pressures last season.
Opposite him, the Buckeyes are banking on Beau Atkinson becoming their latest portal success story. The North Carolina transfer brings production—54 tackles, 17 TFLs, 11 sacks, and 39 pressures in 610 snaps—and the potential to elevate that in Columbus.
Caden Curry is in a similar spot to Jackson: a player who’s waited his turn and is ready for a bigger role. Meanwhile, C.J. Hicks might have finally found a position that fits. This fall could be his chance to prove that the switch was worth it.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald
Backups: Tywone Malone or Jason Moore or Will Smith Jr.
Houston and McDonald seem ready to step in for the departed Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams. The bigger question isn’t their readiness, but who will rise behind them.
Ohio State chose not to pursue a defensive tackle in the spring transfer portal, signaling confidence—or risk—depending on how you view the current depth chart. With 8–10 potential contributors in the room, the spotlight now turns to Malone, Moore, and Smith, each entering their third year in the program.
If that trio is going to make a meaningful impact as Buckeyes, this is the year to do it. While pass rush shouldn’t be an issue, lack of depth on the interior could become a concern when it comes to stopping the run.
Mike Linebacker
Starter: Arvell Reese
Backup: Riley Pettijohn
Arvell Reese is on the brink of a breakout in 2025, and he could make an early statement on August 30. His position coach, James Laurinaitis, famously did the same in 2006 with a dominant performance against Texas. Now, nearly two decades later, the Glenville product hopes to follow that blueprint and establish himself as one of the nation’s top linebackers.
Riley Pettijohn, a high-upside freshman from Texas and borderline five-star prospect, repped at Mike during the spring. 2025 will be a developmental year for him, likely starting on special teams, but the long-term projection is clear: by the time Ohio State heads to Austin in 2026, Pettijohn could be the starter.
Will Linebacker
Starter: Sonny Styles
Backup: Payton Pierce
Sonny Styles enters his second year at linebacker ready to take another leap. He’s coming off a 2024 campaign where he posted 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five pass breakups—and now steps into a larger leadership role. As a vocal presence in the locker room and a force on the field, he’s the top candidate to carry on the tradition of the ‘Block O’ jersey in 2025.
As for Payton Pierce, labeling him the backup may not tell the full story. The third linebacker role under Matt Patricia could look different than it has in recent years, with more three-linebacker sets potentially in the mix. Pierce may end up playing a significant role in a defense that’s becoming more flexible and unpredictable.
Cornerback
Starters: Jermaine Mathews, Davison Igbinosun
Backups: Aaron Scott Jr., Devin Sanchez
Ohio State’s cornerback room might be its deepest—and most intriguing—position group heading into 2025. The Buckeyes haven’t produced a first-round corner since Jeff Okudah, but several candidates could end that drought.
Davison Igbinosun has the length, talent, and instincts to be that guy—if he can clean up the nation-leading 16 penalties he racked up last season. Jermaine Mathews is stepping into a full-time role for the first time and brings playmaking potential that could put him on that same first-round radar.
Then there’s Aaron Scott Jr., a former five-star who’s primed for a Year 2 leap, and Devin Sanchez, one of the nation’s top true freshmen. If Sanchez is even 60% of what fellow freshman Jeremiah Smith was in 2024, he could be in that conversation sooner than later.
In short, position coach Tim Walton has an embarrassment of riches, and any of these four could eventually be a Day 1 NFL Draft pick.
Nickel
Starter: Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Backups: Bryce West or Miles Lockhart
Lorenzo Styles Jr. is the safe, steady option at nickel to start fall camp. But this spot might not be so cut and dry for long.
What if the best way to get the top three corners on the field is to slide Mathews inside and rotate Scott and Sanchez outside? What if Bryce West—another highly ranked Year 2 player—is ready to take on more?
Styles brings experience, but Walton may leave camp with multiple configurations in mind depending on how the pieces fit together.
Safety
Starters: Caleb Downs, Jaylen McClain or Malik Hartford
Backups: Leroy Roker, Keenan Nelson Jr. or Faheem Delane
Caleb Downs is the centerpiece of Ohio State’s secondary and will continue playing the versatile, high-impact role that essentially functions as its own position in Patricia’s scheme. That’s why finding a consistent running mate is so crucial.
Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford each saw limited snaps last year—107 and 94, respectively—but have made strong offseason pushes. One of them needs to be ready to replace the steady presence left behind by Lathan Ransom.
There’s also confidence building around players like Leroy Roker and top-100 freshman Faheem Delane, though they may begin in reserve roles. Patricia will lean heavily on Downs in his final college season, but who lines up next to him could define the ceiling of this defense.
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