The college football world knows Ohio State as a perennial powerhouse—a team steeped in tradition, history, and championship pedigree. The Buckeyes have long been defined by their explosive offenses, dynamic quarterbacks, and NFL-bound wide receivers. From Troy Smith to Justin Fields, from Chris Olave to Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State has built a brand on high-flying football and athletic dominance.
But heading into the 2025 season, the most dominant unit in Columbus may not be the offense. In a surprising twist, it’s the Buckeyes’ defense—specifically, their secondary—that has the potential to be the best in the country. Long criticized in recent years for giving up big plays in key moments, the Ohio State defense has transformed into a disciplined, star-studded unit capable of shutting down even the most prolific passing attacks in college football. And it’s not just good by Ohio State standards—it might be elite by national standards.
What makes this defensive turnaround so fascinating is how quickly it has taken shape. Just a few seasons ago, the Buckeyes were widely scrutinized for their performance on the back end of the defense. Shootouts with Michigan. A meltdown against Georgia in the College Football Playoff. Missed tackles, busted coverages, and an inability to get off the field on third down became a recurring theme. Despite having high-level talent, the results simply didn’t match the expectations.
That has changed.
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who arrived in Columbus with a reputation for aggressive, creative schemes, Ohio State has begun to build a defensive identity rooted in physicality, communication, and accountability. Knowles has not only brought a new level of schematic discipline but has also developed the kind of depth that allows the Buckeyes to rotate players without a drop-off in performance.
Nowhere is that depth more evident than in the secondary. The cornerback duo of Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun might be the best tandem in the nation. Burke, a senior with NFL aspirations, has grown into a lockdown defender who can shadow a team’s No. 1 receiver and eliminate one side of the field. Igbinosun, a transfer from Ole Miss who quickly made his presence felt in Columbus, adds a physical, aggressive style that complements Burke’s fluid coverage skills. Together, they give Ohio State something every elite defense needs: the ability to man up on the outside without constant safety help.
But the excellence doesn’t stop at cornerback. The Buckeyes are loaded at safety, too. Lathan Ransom, who chose to return for his senior season despite being NFL Draft-eligible, is the emotional and vocal leader of the group. A rangy, instinctual player, Ransom excels in both coverage and run support. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and deliver big hits has made him one of the most respected defenders in the Big Ten.
Then there’s Caleb Downs, the crown jewel of the Buckeyes’ transfer portal haul. Downs, a former five-star recruit from Alabama, shocked the college football world when he chose to leave Nick Saban’s program and join Ohio State. In his freshman season in Tuscaloosa, he was arguably the best player on the Crimson Tide’s defense, earning Freshman All-American honors and establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the sport. His arrival in Columbus instantly elevated the expectations for Ohio State’s secondary and sent a clear message to the rest of the country: the Buckeyes are serious about becoming elite on defense.
With Downs and Ransom patrolling the back end and Burke and Igbinosun locking things down on the outside, opposing quarterbacks will be hard-pressed to find open windows. And that’s before even mentioning players like Jordan Hancock, who brings versatility as a nickel defender, and Malik Hartford, a sophomore safety with a high ceiling.
So how did Ohio State go from a defense that struggled to contain the pass to one that could lead the nation in interceptions, pass breakups, and opposing passer rating? Part of it is maturity. Many of the players now leading the unit—Ransom, Burke, Hancock—have been through the wars. They’ve experienced the heartbreak of losses to Michigan. They’ve been tested on the biggest stages. That experience has forged a new level of resilience and confidence.
But it’s also a matter of culture. Ohio State’s defensive staff has placed an emphasis on fundamentals: tackling, positioning, and communication. Players talk constantly about their attention to detail in film study, about how each week feels like a chess match with the opposing offensive coordinator. The mental side of the game has become just as important as the physical.
And while the back end of the defense gets much of the attention, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective without a front seven that can create pressure. Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau have developed into elite pass rushers capable of collapsing pockets and forcing hurried throws. Their presence up front creates opportunities for the secondary to feast on mistakes.
In an era where offenses are more explosive and innovative than ever, having a defense that can match that creativity and aggressiveness is a game-changer. And for Ohio State, the timing couldn’t be better. With archrival Michigan undergoing significant changes in the post-Harbaugh era, and with the Big Ten welcoming heavyweights like USC and Oregon, the Buckeyes will need every edge they can get to navigate a brutal schedule and reach the College Football Playoff.
The offensive firepower will still be there, of course. Quarterback Devin Brown is expected to take a big leap forward, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka returns as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the nation. But in a season that could define Ryan Day’s tenure in Columbus, it’s the defense that may end up being the difference.
For years, Ohio State fans have clamored for a defense that could match the swagger and dominance of their offense. This year, they might finally have it. And it’s not just about stopping teams—it’s about dictating terms. The Buckeyes are no longer content to bend without breaking. They want to break you.
When you talk to players and coaches inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, there’s a quiet confidence about this group. They know the headlines still go to the quarterbacks and receivers. They know they’ve flown under the radar. But they also know what they’re capable of. And if the spring and summer workouts are any indication, they’re preparing not just to be good—but to be remembered.
There’s a saying in college football: defense wins championships. At Ohio State, that mantra has sometimes taken a backseat to the allure of scoring 50 points a game. But this year feels different. This year, it feels like the Buckeyes are finally ready to win with their defense. Not just survive—but dominate.
And if they do? The rest of the country better watch out. Because the scariest version of Ohio State isn’t the one that’s lighting up scoreboards.
It’s the one that doesn’t let you breathe.