Ohio State football has long been a powerhouse in college football, especially known for producing elite talent on both sides of the ball. The program’s defense, in particular, has been a cornerstone of its success, with legendary players such as Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa dominating the field in previous years. However, as the 2023 and 2024 seasons unfold, Ohio State finds itself in a position where it must address a critical need on the defensive side of the ball. Specifically, the team faces a pressing positional void in the linebacker corps, and the future of the defense hinges on how well the coaching staff can address this need.
As the Buckeyes aim to remain at the pinnacle of college football, their defense must evolve to match the dynamic offenses that have emerged across the landscape of college football. Understanding the depth of this positional need, the factors contributing to it, and how Ohio State plans to address it is critical to the team’s future success. Let’s dive deeper into the current situation and the steps Ohio State must take to continue competing at the highest level.
The State of Ohio State’s Defense: A Strong Foundation
Before we examine the specific need at linebacker, it is important to understand the broader context of Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes have maintained a consistently strong defense for many years, often ranking among the top teams in the nation in key defensive metrics, including total defense, points allowed, and turnovers forced.
Under head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State has transitioned to a more aggressive and versatile defensive scheme. The Buckeyes employ a 4-2-5 base defense, which is designed to be flexible and allow for multiple coverages, fronts, and blitz packages. The defensive line has been a particular strength, with elite pass rushers like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and others leading the charge. The defensive backfield has also been a strength, with Ohio State regularly producing top-tier cornerbacks and safeties, including first-round talents like Jeffrey Okudah, Damon Arnette, and Denzel Ward.
However, despite these strengths, Ohio State’s defense has faced challenges in recent seasons, particularly at linebacker. This has led to a noticeable gap in the overall performance of the defense, especially against dynamic offenses in the Big Ten and across the nation. While the defensive line and secondary have largely lived up to expectations, linebacker play has not been as dominant or consistent. This has left a noticeable void in the defense, making it a position that must be addressed for Ohio State to remain competitive at the highest level.
The Positional Need: Linebacker Play in Decline
For much of Ohio State’s recent success, its linebacker corps has been a key part of the team’s defensive identity. However, the Buckeyes have faced challenges in maintaining a consistently dominant group of linebackers in recent years. Traditionally, Ohio State has produced standout linebackers such as Ryan Shazier, Bobby Carpenter, and A.J. Hawk, who were known for their leadership, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. But in the past few seasons, the linebacker position has not lived up to the same high standards.
A major factor contributing to this decline is the shift in college football offensive schemes, particularly the growing reliance on fast-paced, pass-heavy offenses that spread the field. This change in offensive philosophy has made it more difficult for traditional linebackers to keep pace with the evolving nature of the game. Linebackers are now expected to cover more ground, defend against the pass, and still contribute to stopping the run. This evolution requires a unique set of skills that not every linebacker possesses, and Ohio State’s defense has occasionally struggled to keep up with the changes.
In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Ohio State’s linebackers showed flashes of brilliance but were often inconsistent. While talented players like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers provided leadership, the group as a whole lacked the elite playmaking ability that had been a hallmark of previous Ohio State defenses. As a result, opposing offenses were able to exploit gaps in coverage, particularly in the passing game, where linebackers struggled to match up against dynamic tight ends and running backs in space.
Key Challenges Facing Ohio State’s Linebacker Corps
The linebacker position at Ohio State faces several key challenges, which must be addressed in order for the defense to improve. These challenges include:
1. Inconsistent Play and Depth Issues
While players like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers have been productive, the lack of consistency has been a significant issue. Eichenberg, in particular, showed promise in the 2022 season, but his performance in 2023 showed occasional lapses. The ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level week in and week out is crucial for Ohio State to improve its defense.
Moreover, depth at linebacker has been a concern. When injuries or ineffective play occur, Ohio State’s linebacker unit has often lacked the next man up to step in and make an impact. This has left the defense vulnerable, particularly in high-stakes games against elite offenses. While the team has talented young players coming through the ranks, the lack of proven depth at linebacker remains a significant concern for the program.
2. Adapting to Modern Offensive Schemes
With the growing emphasis on spread offenses, Ohio State’s linebackers are expected to cover more ground than ever before. Traditional linebackers who are good against the run might struggle to defend the pass, especially when tasked with covering wide receivers, tight ends, or running backs in the passing game. The shift towards faster, more dynamic offenses requires linebackers who can play both in coverage and in the box effectively.
Ohio State’s linebackers have often been caught in no-man’s land, unable to cover speedy running backs or athletic tight ends, leaving holes in the defense. For Ohio State to get back to being one of the top defensive teams in the nation, they must find linebackers who can seamlessly transition between run defense and pass coverage.
3. Recruiting and Development
While Ohio State has a strong recruiting pipeline, the linebacker position has not seen the same level of elite talent come through in recent years compared to other positions. In particular, the Buckeyes have missed out on some of the top linebacker recruits in recent years, which has affected the program’s overall depth at the position. As a result, Ohio State has had to rely on players who may not have been as highly ranked or developed, leading to a drop-off in production.
Solutions to Ohio State’s Linebacker Needs
Addressing the linebacker need for Ohio State is not a simple task. It will require a combination of recruiting, player development, and tactical changes to improve the position and solidify the defense. Below are several strategies the Buckeyes can employ to address this critical need:
1. Recruiting Elite Linebacker Talent
The first step toward resolving Ohio State’s linebacker issues is to recruit elite talent at the position. The Buckeyes have had success in recruiting top-tier talent in the past, but in recent years, the linebacker position has not seen as many high-profile recruits. This must change if Ohio State is to remain competitive.
Recruiting elite linebackers will require the team to focus on identifying athletes who not only excel against the run but can also thrive in coverage. Ohio State’s defensive staff must be able to identify linebackers who fit the evolving nature of modern offenses, players who possess both speed and the ability to cover space. While the Buckeyes have already brought in some talented recruits, including five-star linebacker C.J. Hicks, they must continue to prioritize linebacker recruiting to ensure the defense has the depth and talent necessary to compete at the highest level.
2. Development of Current Players
While recruiting is important, player development is equally crucial. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, must focus on developing the current crop of linebackers. This includes improving their coverage skills, teaching them how to read offenses more effectively, and ensuring they can make plays in space. Additionally, the coaching staff must work on improving the consistency of the linebackers, making sure they can perform at a high level each week.
The Buckeyes must also provide their linebackers with the tools to improve their mental and physical toughness. This means instilling a strong understanding of defensive concepts, teaching proper tackling techniques, and emphasizing the importance of leadership. Players like Tommy Eichenberg, who have shown flashes of brilliance, need to be developed into full-time leaders and difference-makers for the defense.
3. Position-Specific Coaching and Scheme Adjustments
Finally, Ohio State may need to adjust its defensive scheme to better accommodate the strengths of its linebackers. While Jim Knowles’ 4-2-5 defense is a versatile and aggressive system, it may not be perfectly suited to every player. Knowles and his staff must tailor their approach to emphasize the unique skills of their linebackers, ensuring that the scheme plays to their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
This could involve more hybrid schemes, where linebackers are asked to do less coverage-heavy work but are instead positioned in ways that allow them to impact the run game and pass rush more effectively. This could also involve using more zone or man coverage schemes to better match up with athletic tight ends and running backs. By adjusting the defensive system to better suit the abilities of the linebackers, Ohio State can improve the overall performance of its defense.
A Critical Need for Ohio State’s Defensive Success
Ohio State’s football program is in a strong position overall, with a potent offense and a solid defensive line. However, the linebacker position remains a critical need that must be addressed if the Buckeyes are to reach their full potential. By focusing on recruiting elite talent, developing current players, and making tactical adjustments, Ohio State has the tools to shore up its linebacker corps and return to the level of defensive excellence the program is known for. As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Buckeyes tackle this positional need and whether they can strengthen their defense for the future.