Ohio State Football’s Plans for Its Secondary During Spring Practice

As Ohio State football gears up for its 2025 season, one of the most significant areas of focus during spring practice will be the secondary. Ohio State has long been a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, and with an offense that continues to put up record numbers, the defense must rise to the occasion if the Buckeyes are to remain competitive for a national title. The defensive backfield—comprising cornerbacks and safeties—is a crucial part of that equation, especially in today’s pass-heavy college football environment.

Over the past few years, Ohio State has struggled to maintain consistency in its secondary, particularly in critical games. The 2024 season saw flashes of brilliance, but also moments where opposing offenses were able to exploit vulnerabilities in Ohio State’s pass defense. With the departure of key veterans, including cornerbacks and safeties, the coaching staff must use the spring practices to address several pressing needs. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff is keenly aware that the secondary will play a pivotal role in how far Ohio State can go in 2025.

This article will explore Ohio State’s plans for its secondary during spring practice, focusing on position battles, key players, coaching strategies, and the overall goals for the unit. Spring practice offers the first real look at how Ohio State’s defense will evolve, and the secondary will be one of the most closely scrutinized aspects of the team.

The Secondary’s Importance to Ohio State’s Defense

The secondary is often the last line of defense, and in college football, it’s increasingly responsible for more than just coverage. Ohio State has historically had a strong defensive front, and their linebackers have been able to hold their own in coverage. However, the secondary has seen its share of ups and downs in recent seasons. As offenses have become more dynamic and passing attacks have continued to evolve, Ohio State’s defense needs its secondary to be even more versatile, able to lock down elite wide receivers, force turnovers, and support against the run.

While the defensive line and linebackers certainly deserve their fair share of attention, the secondary remains vital for Ohio State’s aspirations of making another College Football Playoff appearance and possibly winning a national title. In particular, the Buckeyes’ secondary must be prepared for high-powered offenses from teams like Michigan, Penn State, and other top Big Ten competitors, as well as perennial powerhouses in the SEC and beyond.

Departures and Vacancies: A New Look for the Secondary

One of the most significant factors affecting Ohio State’s secondary heading into the 2025 season is the departure of key players. Cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Cameron Brown, along with safety Ronnie Hickman, were crucial to Ohio State’s defense over the past few seasons. Their leadership, experience, and ability to make plays in critical situations will be sorely missed.

These departures create several openings in the secondary that need to be addressed during spring practice. With new faces set to fill in the gaps, spring ball will be crucial for developing chemistry among the defensive backs and allowing new players to showcase their talents.

Some key players who will need to step up and lead the secondary include:

Cornerback Denzel Burke: Burke has been a staple in Ohio State’s defense and was considered one of the top cornerbacks in college football. His decision to leave early for the NFL Draft means there will be a void to fill.
Safety Ronnie Hickman: Hickman’s versatility in the secondary, both in coverage and as a run stopper, will leave a major gap.
Cameron Brown: The seasoned cornerback was an anchor in the defensive backfield. His experience will be hard to replace.

With these departures, Ohio State must turn its attention to the younger players on the roster, some of whom are ready to step into starting roles. The spring will allow the coaching staff to experiment with various combinations of players and give the younger talent an opportunity to develop.

Key Position Battles: Cornerbacks and Safeties

The battle for starting roles in Ohio State’s secondary will be one of the most exciting and highly scrutinized aspects of spring practice. Both cornerback and safety positions will be up for grabs, with several young players looking to step into these critical roles. Here’s a look at the primary position battles taking place during spring practice.

Cornerback Competition

Ohio State’s cornerback position will likely be one of the most intense areas of competition. The departure of Denzel Burke leaves a sizable hole in the starting lineup, and several players will be vying for the opportunity to fill it. Spring practice will provide a platform for these cornerbacks to showcase their skills in one-on-one drills, team scrimmages, and against Ohio State’s potent wide receiver corps.

Some of the key contenders for cornerback spots include:

Jyaire Brown: Brown, a highly touted recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to develop consistency. He has the athleticism, length, and physicality needed to be an elite cornerback at Ohio State, and spring practice will be crucial for him to prove his worth.
Jordan Hancock: Hancock has had some game experience, but much like Brown, he has yet to establish himself as a true lockdown corner. He will be looking to impress the coaching staff with his technique and ability to cover top-tier receivers.
Davison Igbinosun: The former Ole Miss cornerback transfer has the opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact. With his prior experience at the collegiate level, Igbinosun could secure a starting spot if he’s able to adapt quickly to Ohio State’s system and prove he can handle Big Ten competition.

The competition at cornerback will be fierce, as the Buckeyes need at least two reliable starters at the position. The cornerbacks will be tested during spring practices with live reps against one of the best receiving corps in the country, giving the coaches a clear picture of who can handle high-pressure situations.

Safety Depth Chart

Ohio State also faces a critical battle at safety, where the departures of Ronnie Hickman and Josh Proctor have left openings for new players to step up. While Lathan Ransom has been a staple at safety, the other position is still up for grabs, and spring practice is the perfect opportunity to identify potential contributors.

Lathan Ransom: Ransom is expected to be a key leader in the secondary in 2025. Having been with the program for several years, Ransom’s experience and ability to play both free and strong safety positions will make him a versatile piece for Ohio State’s defense. His role as a leader will be crucial for the younger players competing for the starting job next to him.
Kai Stokes: A young and athletic safety, Stokes has shown the potential to be a standout player. He’s a ball hawk with excellent vision and the ability to cover ground quickly. His ability to command the field will be tested during spring practice, as the coaching staff looks for him to take that next step.
Tanner McCalister: Another experienced player, McCalister transferred to Ohio State from Oklahoma State, bringing leadership and depth to the safety position. His experience in big games could be crucial for Ohio State’s defense, and spring practices will be the time for him to earn a larger role.

While the cornerback battle is certainly important, Ohio State will be paying close attention to the development of its safety corps, as these players will be tasked with controlling the deep ball and supporting the run defense.

Coaching Strategies: Development and Scheme Adjustments

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, is known for his aggressive approach to defense, and he will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the secondary during spring practice. Under Knowles, the Buckeyes have implemented a more complex scheme that emphasizes creating turnovers, generating pressure on the quarterback, and locking down on wide receivers.

This spring, Knowles will likely focus on refining the fundamentals of coverage, particularly in man-to-man situations. As offenses continue to diversify with up-tempo attacks and quick throws, Ohio State’s secondary must remain disciplined and communicate effectively on the field. One area that will be emphasized is how the cornerbacks and safeties play in coverage against high-caliber receiving corps. This could involve adjusting alignment or reading the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate routes more effectively.

In addition, Knowles will focus on improving the secondary’s ability to stop the run. While Ohio State has traditionally been stout in defending against the run, the team’s secondary must be aggressive when it comes to supporting the run defense, particularly when linebackers are drawn up to the line of scrimmage. This kind of flexibility will be key to Ohio State’s defensive success in 2025.

Spring Goals for the Secondary

The primary goal for Ohio State’s secondary during spring practice will be developing depth and cohesion. With several new faces expected to start, the focus will be on building chemistry, improving individual technique, and ensuring the secondary understands its role in the defensive scheme.

Other key goals include:

Establishing Leadership: With the loss of veterans like Ronnie Hickman and Denzel Burke, it’s essential that leaders emerge from the secondary. Lathan Ransom and other experienced players will need to take charge and mentor the younger players, ensuring they are prepared for the pressures of playing in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
Learning to Compete Against Elite Offenses: The Ohio State secondary will be tested by the Buckeyes’ own high-powered offense, which features some of the best wide receivers in the nation. Spring practices will give the defensive backs a chance to compete against top-tier talent, which will better prepare them for the challenges of the 2025 season.
Improving Turnover Generation: Creating turnovers is a focal point for Jim Knowles’ defense, and the secondary will need to be opportunistic in spring practices. Whether it’s through interceptions, fumble recoveries, or pass breakups, Ohio State’s secondary will need to emphasize playmaking skills.