The Ohio State football team lost 15 starters from last year's national championship team, including the entire defensive line. That means that they are going to have a lot of guys who are going to have to step up and fill the void left by those incredible players.
This season represents put-up-or-shut-up time for one particular player along the defensive line. That player is defensive tackle Tywone Malone. Malone has done next to nothing in his collegiate career that spans two different schools, and now he's in his senior year.
Malone transferred in from Ole Miss a couple of years ago, hoping to make an impact up front. Instead, he has been relegated to backup duty for each of the seasons he's played for the Buckeyes. He likely will this season, too. At least this year, he'll get more snaps in the rotation.
Ohio State football player Tywone Malone needs to contribute in his final season
With the Ohio State Buckeyes replacing their entire defensive line, this is by far the best chance he has at some playing time in meaningful games. He has to do something with it, though, as he only recorded eight tackles last season for the Buckeyes. Malone had just five the year before.
Ohio State does not have much depth at defensive tackle that is proven. Quite frankly, they need Malone to actually contribute in a meaningful way in their rotation. Larry Johnson loves rotating defensive linemen, so he needs to step up in what could be his final year.
Malone had a lot of Ohio State football fans excited when he transferred in. Instead, he has only disappointed thus far. He has an extraordinary opportunity to change that narrative in 2025. He's got a lot of natural talent, and it's time he used it.