As August continues to roll on, the Ohio State Buckeyes continue Fall camp. So far, there have been a few surprises, including in the running back room. Ohio State is trying to figure out several new starters on defense, including new starters in the secondary.
One player who has been turning heads is freshman cornerback Jay Timmons. Timmons has already been seen taking some reps with the first team at the nickelback position. Now, he's officially a Buckeye, as he has become the latest player to shed his black stripe.
Ohio State CB Jay Timmons sheds his black stripe
Timmons becomes the second player in as many days to shed his black stripe. Transfer running back Ja'Kobi Jackson also had his stripe taken away. Timmons was a five-star recruit in the 2026 class, and he is looking to make an immediate impact with the team.
With Davison Igbinosun in Buffalo, there is a starting cornerback spot on the outside available. Devin Sanchez seems likely to slide into that role. Lorenzo Styles is gone at the nickel spot, so that's what Timmons is battling for. He is dueling with transfer cornerback Dominick Kelly.
Timmons has been getting some first-team reps, and he has been making a big impression on the coaching staff. Ryan Day, Matt Patricia, and Tim Walton have all been impressed with what Timmons has been able to provide to the team so far. Still, there is no guarantee he will start.
Last year, Patricia showed that he is willing to run whatever defensive formation is necessary to stop the opponent. That means that Timmons will likely see playing time at cornerback this year, even if he isn't a starter. He is clearly someone that the coaching staff is going to trust with playing time, even as a true freshman.
Ohio State continues to work towards an elite defense
Despite losing three first-round picks on defense, the Buckeyes are confident they can still have an elite unit. Bringing Patricia back was one of the best moves they made all offseason. The players love him, and they played hard for him in his first year coaching in college in over 20 years.
Figuring out the proper rotation in the secondary and on the defensive line will go a long way toward accomplishing that. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the only returning starter up front. Jaylen McClain and Jermaine Mathews Jr. are the only two starters to return to the secondary.
Timmons is hoping to become a key member of the defense at some point in his Ohio State football career. Of course, he has plenty of time to do so. Standing at 5'11 and 180 pounds, he is the perfect size for a nickel cornerback right now. As he continues to build muscle, he can transition outside.
It will be telling if Ryan Day is willing to throw him out there in big spots in Week 2 against Texas. That game will be one of the toughest games they play all year.
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