Last year, Ohio State’s defense took a step forward from 2021. Objectively, it was better as a unit but they still let up too many massive plays in the two most crucial games on the schedule. Even then, there are a few Ohio State defensive players to keep an eye on to break through this fall.
If the Buckeyes are serious about winning and playing the best players, tenure will not supersede skill. One of the biggest critiques of the Urban Meyer era was that he was too reliant on older players. This was in spite of the talent further down the depth chart. Ryan Day and Jim Knowles have the opportunity to not make the same mistakes. Now, this is not to say these three Ohio State defensive players deserve to just be handed the job. However, there is some serious talent on the defense and should make strides in 2023.
The Ohio State offense looks to be the strength of the team this year but the defense can make it a legitimate argument.
Buckeye Breakouts: Ohio State Defensive Players to Watch
Next Rushman Up
The Buckeye pass rush has not been quite up to snuff of late. Despite landing multiple top-end recruits, the Ohio State defensive line has been disappointing in comparison to the run of Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and Chase Young that came through. J.T. Tuimoloau broke out last year against Penn State. Jack Sawyer looks to be taking a step forward because he is finally going to be used in his natural role. But the next man up among the Ohio State defensive players is Kenyatta Jackson, Jr.
Coming to Ohio State by way of Florida as a four-star recruit and a top-nine defensive end. He was a highly-touted high schooler and had high expectations coming in. As a true freshman in 2022, Jackson did not enroll until Fall Camp so there was still work to be done to break through a veteran-laden unit. In total, he appeared in just three games, all of which were in the first five games, and logged 24 snaps.
This year, however, Jackson has bulked up, looked great in camp, and has the coaches ready to give him more responsibility. Between all of the defensive ends on the roster in 2022, there are plenty of snaps to be had. As a unit, they logged 1,752 snaps, cumulatively. With the graduation of Zach Harrison and the transfer of Javontae Jean-Baptiste, 734 snaps are up for grabs.
Even if he is utilized in a rotational role, Jackson has the opportunity to become the next great pass rusher out of Ohio State. He had an incredibly strong spring and has carried that momentum into the fall. If given the opportunity, Jackson will push Tuimoloau and Sawyer’s snaps on defense.
A Transfer from the SEC
DBU? BIA? While there was a case for Ohio State there for a while, the cornerback room has not been quite as strong of late. Gone are the days of Denzel Ward not being invited to the BBQ. Recently, the Ohio State corners have struggled to contain offenses with a lack of ball skills, bad angles, and just overall bad play. Enter Davison Igbinosun, a transfer from Ole Miss.
Out of high school, Igbinosun was a solid option at corner and he was interested in the Buckeyes but the feeling was not mutual. In one year at Ole Miss, those feelings changed. In 2022, he turned a 37-tackle, five-break-up season into a Freshman All-American selection. Despite not recording any interceptions, it was apparent that Igbinosun was the real deal.
He comes into a cornerback room with quite a veteran presence but that doesn’t mean the young newcomer can’t break through. Realistically, the top corners on the depth chart are Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock. Burke has two years of starting experience under his belt and has flashed. At the same time, he’s struggled and had moments of absolute futility. Hancock was a highly-touted recruit coming into Columbus. However, considering how poorly the Buckeyes finished the year on defense, most players should have to earn their spot again.
This secondary played well against the passing attacks from the likes of Indiana (87th in FBS), Northwestern (94th), Notre Dame (97th), Wisconsin (114th), Iowa (123rd), and Rutgers (124th). But, to be fair, so did every other defense.
Igbinosun has to be one of the Ohio State defensive players to step up and contribute in 2023. He will be utilized to make sure the Buckeyes’ secondary plays well against anemic and solid offenses alike.
A Safety Too Good to Keep off the Field
Finally, there has been plenty of clamoring for a change at the back end of the defense. Safety play has not been the strength of the defense and the fact that the Buckeyes allowed so many massive plays is evidence. As of now, guys like Lathan Ransom and Josh Proctor are the grizzled veterans expected to start. The feeling out of camp is that sophomore Sonny Styles will be impossible to keep on the sidelines.
Styles was a five-star recruit initially part of the 2023 recruiting cycle. He reclassified to the 2022 class and began working his way into the rotation. He appeared in every game save for Week 1 against Notre Dame in some fashion. On the year, he played a total of 67 offensive snaps and finished the year with 12 snaps in the CFP Peach Bowl, tied for the most on the year. Even in the biggest game of the year against the eventual back-to-back CFP champions that was decided by a single point, the young freshman made an impact.
1. The way folks talked about Kyle Hamilton at Notre Dame is the way they talk about Sonny Styles at Ohio State.
2. That should terrify Big Ten offenses.
3. That should terrify college football.
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) August 18, 2023
The best part of Styles’ game is his versatility. He can play deep, in the box, as a nickel, and anything in between for Knowles’ defense. He is a certified freak and will have the opportunity to show it. Even in limited action, Styles showed his explosive ability and proclivity to come downhill and make a play.
His brother, Lorenzo Styles, Jr., transferred from Notre Dame and will compete at corner. The Buckeyes could have a very Style-ish defense this year.
