Throughout the entire season, the Ohio State football team has had the best defense not just in the Big Ten, but in the entire country. They lead the nation in points per game, yards per game, and passing yards per game. It's been very hard to score on them, as Michigan found out on Saturday.
Every level of the Ohio State Buckeyes' defense was elite. The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary worked in concert to make sure that no one could score enough points to beat them in the regular season. Now, those Buckeyes are starting to collect some awards.
Big Ten awards were handed out on Wednesday for the defensive side of the ball. Buckeyes started to bring in those awards. In fact, Buckeyes won the Defensive Lineman of the Year, Linebacker of the Year, Defensive Back of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Ohio State football players sweep Big Ten Awards on defense
Kayden McDonald won the Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. He is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he played like it. During the regular season, McDonald had 52 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Arvell Reese won the Linebacker of the Year Award. Reese has had an incredible ascension this season, and he's in contention to be the number-one pick in the draft. He finished the regular season with 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended.
Caleb Downs took home the most awards. In addition to the Defensive Back of the Year, Downs was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Downs finished the regular season with 52 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and a pass defended.
All of those players were named First Team All-Big Ten, as well. In addition, Davison Igbinosun, Caden Curry, and Sonny Styles were also named First Team All-Big Ten. It's amazing how many awards these players were able to wrap up after a great regular season.