Ohio State Buckeyes corner Devin Sanchez knows he's expected to produce in the secondary during the 2026 season. Of course, co-defensive coordinator, secondary, and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton laid it out for Sanchez, claiming he "has to become a dominant player" and that the expectation is for the former North Shore (TX) star to be a lockdown corner.
Sanchez expressed regret for not laying it out on the line every game in 2025 as he did during the team's Cotton Bowl Classic loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the CFP, but believes he is in line to win major individual awards in 2026.
“I was a little timid last year. I was just nervous out there. But I feel like this year I’ve just calmed down a little bit. I’ve gained my confidence back," Sanchez said. “Just taking that next step and realizing what I could’ve done last year. After that Miami game, I realized (that) if I had just done this all season, it could’ve been a whole different outcome."
“When we went into the offseason, I told Coach Walt I’m not stepping back this year. I’m coming in foot on the gas. I’m not letting up. It doesn’t matter who’s in front of me, I’m gonna win ... Do better than I did last year for one. I want to be a (Jim) Thorpe finalist. I want to win the Thorpe for sure. I want to be an All-American. I want to be a Big Ten All-American. I want to be the Big Ten (Defensive Back) of the Year. It’s a lot of things that I have on the table that I want to accomplish."
Devin Sanchez standing out in Ohio State's spring practice
2025 was not a bad year for Sanchez, who had 12 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, and two passes defended after becoming a starter midway through the season during Big Ten conference play. With that said, he looks ready to break out in 2026 based on early returns this spring.
Sanchez has the physical tools, including unreal athleticism (sub-11 100-meter dash) and a six-foot-two frame that keeps him in contention for any deep balls against opposing X receivers. He just needs the motivation to be his best this fall.
Sounds like the work is being done in spring practice to make that happen. Good luck to you, WR1s across the Big Ten.