We knew Ohio State's defense would take a step back from where it has been over the last two seasons in 2026. The Buckeyes replace players better than any program in college football, but players like Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles are guys who only come around every so often. While it certainly hasn't been without some bumps in the road, this Buckeye defense looks like it could hold up to the championship standard.
Let's look at the OSU defense by the numbers. They are allowing 13.4 points per game. That is tied for 5th in the country and 2nd in the Big Ten. The most points they've given up in a game this season was 24 to Texas, while the fewest was 3 against both Ball State and Kent State.
They are giving up 4.21 yards per play. That is 3rd in the country and 2nd in the Big Ten. The most they've given up in a game was 6.5 against Illinois, while the fewest was 2.4 against Kent State. The Buckeyes are surrendering 3.11 yards per carry on the ground.
That is 19th in the country and 4th in the Big Ten. The most they've given up in a game is 6.0 against Illinois, and the fewest is 1.9 against Iowa. They are giving up 5.2 yards per passing attempt, which is the best in college football. Their season high is 7.4 against Indiana, while the low is 2.6 against Maryland.
Those are the big picture stats for the Buckeye defense; now here are some situational numbers. They allow opponents to convert 38.3% of their third downs, which is 79th in the country and 14th in the Big Ten. They allow opponents to convert 25% of their fourth downs, which is 10th in the country and 1st in the Big Ten. Opponents score touchdowns on 50% of their red zone trips, which is tied for 33rd in the country and tied for 7th in the Big Ten.
Now that we've got the statistical picture, let's evaluate this defense by position. We'll start up front with the defensive line. This group can almost be separated by their September performance and their October performance. Their two power conference opponents in September were able to push them around up front.
Ohio State defensive evaluation by position
It was nearly 100 degrees in Austin, but that doesn't excuse their performance against Illinois in the Horseshoe, which Kenyatta Jackson called "unacceptable." In October, however, the Buckeyes have been one of the best defenses in college football, holding each of their last three opponents to 15 points or less on offense.
The line has had a lot to do with that in the run game. They have completely transformed themselves over the last three games in run defense. The Buckeyes' rushing defense was 54th in the country going into the Iowa game and is now in the top 20 and trending up.
The bigger issue with this defensive line has been their lack of pass rush. They have struggled all season to get pressure with four down linemen. They have been able to get pressure when bringing pressure from the back seven, which brings us to our linebacker discussion.
It took a few weeks for James Lauranitis to really understand who his best players were. Now there is a clear four-man rotation of Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro, Riley Pettijohn, and TJ Alford. Each of the four brings a certain skill set for specific matchups. Obviously, none of them are Arvell Reese, and none of them are Sonny Styles, but all four are good players in their own right.
I would argue that the defensive backfield is the best position group on Ohio State's team. The only argument that I would hear otherwise is for wide receiver because they have Jeremiah Smith. The short of it is this: Ohio State has the best passing defense in the country despite having a subpar pass rush.
Everyone noticed when a corner, such as Devin Sanchez, gives up a play, but people don't consider that he is pretty much always guarding the best receiver on the other team and is having to cover for a long time because the line is getting no pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Jermaine Matthews has arguably been the most important player on this defense due to his versatility and his play. Outside of some games down the stretch of last season, Matthews has been a star for the Buckeyes, and that has continued this season.
With Brian Hartline gone, safeties coach Matt Guerrieri is now my pick for the best position coach on the team. Over his three seasons, Ohio State has had the best safety play in college football, bar none. Before this season, you could chalk that up to the talent that is Caleb Downs, but between Lathan Ransom, Jordan Hancock, Jaylen McClain, Earl Little Jr., and Jay Timmons, the evidence is mounting in favor of Guerrieri, and Buckeye fans should appreciate him while he's here.
Earl Little Jr. isn't as good as Caleb Downs, so his impact isn't as loud, but he has done everything he's been asked to do in this offense. Jaylen McClain has stepped up his play and is now being appreciated for it, as he is no longer in the shadow of Downs.
Jay Timmons has been the best freshman at OSU since Jeremiah Smith while playing the nickel position. This is the best secondary in the country and will be the key reason the Buckeyes accomplish their goals, if they do.
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