Heading into the 2026 season, the Ohio State football team is looking for some players to emerge on defense. They are losing several elite contributors on that side of the ball, including four likely first-round picks. Even with Matt Patricia returning, it's going to be hard for the defense to be as good as it was last year.
Both starting linebackers are likely going to be top-five picks in the NFL Draft next month. Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles will both be making plays on Sunday next year, leaving an opportunity open at the linebacker spot. The Buckeyes need someone to step up.
One of those players who is looking to snipe a starting spot is Garrett Stover. Stover, the younger brother of former Buckeye tight end Cade Stover, was an Iron Buckeye in the offseason. That means he was one of the best guys in the weight room. Now, he's gunning for a starting spot.
Ohio State DC Matt Patricia is extremely impressed with Garrett Stover
Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is extremely impressed with the growth he's seen from Stover in the offseason and the spring. He believes Stover has already made a massive improvement from last year.
Matt Patricia said Garrett Stover “blew the doors off” Ohio State’s offseason training program to become an Iron Buckeye. Patricia said Stover is making plays this spring that he wasn’t making last season.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) March 26, 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a lot of really good, young players at the linebacker position who are vying for starting spots. It looks like Payton Pierce has the upper hand on one of them, but the other one or two spots are up for grabs. Patricia plays multiple defenses, so three linebackers will get a lot of playing time.
Stover certainly will have the opportunity this Spring to take the lead for one of those starting spots. Of course, no decisions will be made on the final depth chart until the Fall rolls around. Riley Petijohn and Tarvos Alford will also be battling for those spots, along with Wisconsin transfer Christian Allegro.
The Spring Game will give fans their first look at who might be at the top of the depth chart at linebacker. James Laurinaitis has some great options to choose from.