When we talk about the Ohio State Buckeyes, we can't ignore the significant impact of their defensive players as they gear up for the 2026 season. Despite having had a remarkable 2025 season that featured the top-ranked defense in the nation—one that set impressive records in college football history—Ohio State is bracing for a notable transformation. The Buckeyes excelled last fall, giving up just 219.1 yards and an astonishingly low average of 9.3 points per game. They also dominated in pass defense, allowing only 129.7 yards through the air, while ranking seventh against the run with 89.36 yards allowed. However, with eight key starters now preparing for their careers in the NFL, the returning players will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the team.
The offseason choices made by players such as defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. are particularly significant for the Buckeyes. Other notable returnees include safety Jaylen McClain, defensive tackle Eddrick Houston, and corner Devin Sanchez, all of whom bring crucial experience back to the field.
As we reflect on Ohio State's 2025 season, which concluded in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals without a chance to defend their national championship title, the focus shifts to recruiting and the transfer portal to fortify the roster for 2026. Simultaneously, Ohio State’s basketball team is vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, making this a bustling time across the athletic department. To stay updated on all things Buckeyes, consider subscribing to Bucknuts today!
In analyzing the snap counts from last season, we gain valuable insight into how much experience the returning defensive players possess. This includes not only the total number of snaps each player had but also where they were positioned on the field during those plays. Understanding these statistics can help us predict where each player may be utilized most frequently in the upcoming season.
Here’s a breakdown of the defensive players’ snap counts:
DEFENSIVE LINE
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (SR): 547 total snaps - 325 at defensive end, 105 at defensive tackle, and 115 at linebacker.
- Eddrick Houston (JR): 323 total snaps - 247 at defensive tackle, 30 at nose tackle, and 45 at defensive end.
- Will Smith Jr. (r-JR): 223 total snaps - 117 at defensive tackle, 101 at nose tackle, and 5 at defensive end.
- Beau Atkinson (SR): 214 total snaps - 106 at defensive end, 28 at defensive tackle, and 79 at linebacker.
- Zion Grady (SOPH): 104 total snaps - 66 at defensive end, 21 at defensive tackle, and 16 at linebacker.
- Jason Moore (r-JR): 43 total snaps - 38 at defensive tackle, 4 at defensive end, and 1 at nose tackle.
- Epi Sitanilei (r-FR): 17 total snaps - 12 at defensive end and 5 at linebacker.
LINEBACKER
- Payton Pierce (JR): 262 total snaps - 205 at outside linebacker, 34 at middle linebacker, 12 at nickel, 10 off the edge, and 1 at corner.
- Riley Pettijohn (SOPH): 77 total snaps - 42 at outside linebacker, 26 off the edge, 4 at middle linebacker, and 4 at nickel.
- TJ Alford (SOPH): 50 total snaps - 43 off the edge, 5 at nickel, and 2 at outside linebacker.
- Garrett Stover (r-FR): 22 total snaps - 19 at outside linebacker, 2 at middle linebacker, and 1 off the edge.
- Eli Lee (FR): 6 total snaps - 5 at outside linebacker and 1 at inside linebacker.
- Joey Velazquez (SR): 3 total snaps - all at outside linebacker.
CORNERBACK
- Jermaine Mathew Jr. (SR): 693 total snaps - 413 at outside corner, 185 at nickel, 33 at free safety, 31 at linebacker, 25 at strong safety, and 6 off the edge.
- Devin Sanchez (FR): 322 total snaps - 290 at outside corner, 10 at strong safety, 9 at nickel, 7 at linebacker, and 4 off the edge.
- Miles Lockhart (r-SOPH): 3 total snaps - all at nickel.
- Jordyn Woods (FR): 0 total snaps.
SAFETY
- Jaylen McClain (SOPH): 705 total snaps - 442 at free safety, 94 at strong safety, 79 at linebacker, 70 at nickel, 13 off the edge, and 7 at outside corner.
- Leroy Roker III (SOPH): 81 total snaps - 67 at free safety, 6 at linebacker, 5 at strong safety, and 3 at nickel.
- DeShawn Stewart (FR): 0 total snaps.
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