Ohio State has long been known for its defensive prowess, with standout cornerbacks shaping the unit’s success over the years. In 2024, one name that many expected to hear more from but has been quietly rising within the depth chart is sophomore cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr.
Despite not starting a single game this season, Ohio State's defensive coordinator Jim Knowles recently emphasized Mathews' growing importance in his Rose Bowl preview press conference, saying, “Jermaine should play, and we trust him... We consider him a starter.""
This is a significant development for the Buckeyes, as Mathews' role has increased in the latter half of the season, following a somewhat quiet start. A College Football Network Freshman All-American in 2023, Mathews had been expected to play a bigger role in 2024.
Although both Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun started every game last year, many fans expected Mathews would enter the rotation this year. Yet through the first five games this year, he averaged only 18 snaps per game, a drop from the 24 snaps per game he saw in eight games as a freshman.
Perhaps most notably, he didn’t play a single snap in the Buckeyes’ Week 6 game against Oregon, when senior cornerback Denzel Burke played 66 defensive snaps and recorded his second-worst performance of his career, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
The only game he graded out worse in his college career was against Michigan in 2021. It was a reminder that while Burke has been a leader in the secondary, Ohio State could need other options if its top corners struggle in high-stakes matchups.
Following that Oregon game, however, things began to change for Mathews. In the seven games after Oregon, Mathews has averaged 28 snaps per game, a notable increase from the start of the season. He has played 26 or more snaps in five of those seven contests, a sign that the coaching staff sees his presence as a valuable asset in defending against opposing offenses.
Mathews' progression couldn’t have come at a better time for Ohio State, especially considering Ohio State has not allowed a single touchdown pass since facing Oregon in week 6. It's clear that including Mathews more in the cornerback rotation has only made the unit stronger. While Burke remains the leader of the group, Mathews offers a change of pace, someone who can help keep Burke and Igbinosun fresh, and someone to step in if history repeats itself.
Additionally, fellow cornerback Davison Igbinosun has shown flashes of brilliance, but his tendency to get flagged for holding penalties has raised some concerns. With the margins for error slimmer than ever in playoff-level competition, the Buckeyes will need a reliable, disciplined cornerback to lean on. Enter Mathews, whose increased snap count shows that the coaching staff has confidence in his ability to handle bigger roles as the stakes rise.
What makes Mathews' emergence so crucial is that he offers Ohio State flexibility and depth at a critical position. If Burke or Igbinosun falter or deal with injuries, Mathews is no longer just a backup but a capable starting-caliber player who can provide valuable minutes and stabilize the defense. And while he may not have played significant snaps early in the season, his development as a sophomore shows that the Buckeyes have been preparing him for the crucial moments that are likely to come.
So, could Jermaine Mathews Jr. be the key piece that accelerates Ohio State’s pass defense and propels them past teams like Oregon in a potential playoff rematch? There’s reason to believe he could be. His rise has provided the Buckeyes with more options in the secondary, and Knowles’ confidence in him signals that Ohio State’s coaches view him as more than just a reserve player.
As Ohio State faces its biggest tests in the coming weeks, Mathews’ presence could prove invaluable. The Buckeyes' defense has been solid throughout the season, but with playoff hopes and a national championship on the line, every play and every defensive adjustment matters. Mathews' increasing snap count and steady performances suggest that he could be an essential piece in Ohio State’s defensive game plan.
One thing is clear: the Buckeyes will need all hands on deck, including players like Mathews, to take down their toughest opponent and get revenge. If he continues to build on his recent performances, Mathews may prove to be the difference-maker Ohio State needs to achieve its championship aspirations.