Columbus, OhioIn 2025, Ohio State’s defense enters a new era with Matt Patricia taking over as coordinator in place of Jim Knowles.
He takes over a defense that has lost many players, but he also has the opportunity to start from zero. On all three fronts, this defense won’t resemble what we’ve seen in the last three seasons. New players, new coaches, and possibly a fresh offensive strategy.
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With top-ranked Texas visiting Columbus on Saturday, all of that new will be put to the ultimate test.
Here is a final prediction of OSU’s starting defense against the Longhorns, which includes an intriguing secondary discussion: What Ohio State’s starting defense is anticipated to look like against Texas as the Buckeyes formally begin their quest to repeat as national champions:
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive End | Kenyatta Jackson | Caden Curry |
| Defensive End | Beau Atkinson | CJ Hicks |
| Defensive Tackle | Kayden McDonald | Jason Moore |
| Defensive Tackle | Eddrick Houston | Tywone Malone |
| Mike Linebacker | Arvell Reese | Riley Pettijohn |
| Will Linebacker | Sonny Styles | Payton Pierce |
| Cornerback | Jermaine Mathews | Aaron Scott Jr. |
| Cornerback | Davison Igbinosun | Devin Sanchez |
| Nickel | Lorenzo Styles | Bryce West |
| Safety | Caleb Downs | Faheem Delane |
| Safety | Jaylen McClain/Malik Harford | Leroy Roker |
Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry, the most seasoned players in the room who have waited a long time to be starters, might be the starting defensive combination on Saturday if the Buckeyes weren’t playing Texas in Week 1. However, following the spring, Beau Atkinson was added, which altered the equation and made Jackson’s choice clear. However, anticipate that Curry will play.
The discussion around C.J. Hicks has finally come to an end. The topic of what he might be will no longer take center stage; instead, intangible outcomes will. He has found a place that suits his skill set and might benefit OSU, regardless of how big or small his contribution is.
On the inside, Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald will begin the season as the top defensive tackle tandem in the Big Ten. Will Smith Jr.’s rise is causing Larry Johnson to feel more at ease with the depth. All they need to do now is for Tywone Malone and Jason Moore, who may not be entirely well at the moment, to follow suit. Jarquez Carter, a true freshman who has begun to draw attention in the preseason, is another name to keep an eye on.
James Laurinaitis believes that Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Payton Pierce are his three starting linebackers. That bunch could be the defense’s strongest point. Patricia is likely to use them as weapons frequently.
Due to the intensity of the game, Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews are most likely not going off the field in Week 1.This season, Aaron Scott Jr. and Devin Sanchez will play a lot of football. However, we might not know exactly how much until Week 2.
Is Caleb Downs somewhere?
What happens at safety will be determined by that question.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. will start at nickel and either Jaylen McClain or Malik Hartford will be on the field if he is at deep safety. Hartford and McClain will be out there together as your usual safeties if he’s at Nickel.
Patricia can be a full crazy scientist about how he wants to use that bunch this season because of the combination of all three of those guys taking jumps this offseason and the endless choices Downs provides.
