This is something for Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to get fixed as soon as possible. Through two games for the Buckeyes' defense, a mind-blowing 28 missed tackles have been posted, which is inexcusable. Better yet, it's downright infuriating. Those struggles were on display in the pathetic loss to the Longhorns too, which can never be the case against a Top 5 team.
It played a huge role in the Longhorns pulling off an unthinkable comeback, which now has UT at No. 1 in the rankings and the Buckeyes at No. 6. Think this kind of poor tackling display would be tolerated if 2026 first-round picks Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles were still in town? Never.
Ohio St has 28 missed tackles in 2 weeks 🚩🚩🚩🚩
— Fisherman (@NeilRausch) September 14, 2026
Ohio State's missed tackling problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible
With Reese and Styles alone at linebacker, the drop-off to this year's team has been quite noticeable. It's hard to throw a single player under the bus for poor performances, but linebacker Payton Pierce has struggled mightily to start the new season. Against the Longhorns, he was second on the team with three missed tackles - freshman Jay Timmons was No. 1 on the list with four missed stops.
So, how can this get cleaned up? Patricia needs to get back to the basics in practice and focus on his guys tackling. It's one thing to record 15 missed tackles against Ball State, but when 13 more arrived against Texas, then you know you've got a big problem to deal with.
At linebacker alone, Day has to be worried, as Pierce is going to have to step up his game immediately. Everyone knew there was going to be a big drop-off in production once Styles (82 tackles last season) and Reese (69 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2025) both said goodbye to Columbus, but the first two games of the season have revealed just how much - and it's not good at all.
On top of that, someone needs to step up as a defensive leader and light a fire under that entire side of the ball. There needs to be some pride showcased in bringing an opponent down. Arm tackles are no more. Get your feet in the ground, lower your shoulder, and lay the lumber on a running back or receiver who's fighting for more yards. This is Ohio State football, and you've got to show toughness and remind others what it means to go up against the Buckeyes.
There's only going to be so much Patricia will be able to do in that department. Yes, he can go over film with his defensive studs and show them egregious plays and mistakes that can't be repeated. But it's going to be on those players to right their wrongs and get back to playing sound and fundamental football.
Come Week 3, Ohio State is going to be in action against Kent State, where a lopsided win should be on the way. After that, Big Ten play will arrive, and there will be no easy passes for the group. This tackling red flag has arrived, and it's time to fix it. Should tackling mistakes continue, it will be on Ryan Day to send guys to the bench and see if others can step up. Period.
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