Ohio State Secondary Faces Depth Challenges Before Opener Against No. 1 Texas

Ohio State's secondary faces the challenge of filling key defensive roles vacated by NFL draftees Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, and Jordan Hancock from their 2024 national championship defense. Despite these departures, coaches express confidence in a deep and versatile group led by returning All-American junior Caleb Downs, who was recently voted a team captain and is known for his football IQ and leadership. Senior Davison Igbinosun and experienced cornerbacks Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Lorenzo Styles Jr. provide seasoned options, with Mathews and Styles capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary. Competition remains open for starting roles, particularly at safety where Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford are vying for playing time, with the coaching staff emphasizing continuous growth and week-to-week evaluations. Ohio State's defense was a national leader last season in multiple categories, including total defense and points allowed, and the staff aims to reload effectively while maintaining their high standards. Meanwhile, Texas, preparing for a rematch against Ohio State, is working to address offensive weaknesses exposed in their previous playoff loss, highlighting the significance of the upcoming game for both teams.