Get ready for an in-depth look at Ohio State's defensive lineup and the crucial players returning for the 2026 season!
Last year, Ohio State's defense dominated, ranking No. 1 in total and scoring defense. However, with eight starters now in the NFL, the team faces a significant challenge.
The Future of Ohio State's Defense: Unveiling the Returning Players
Ohio State's success heavily relies on its returning players, especially after losing key starters. Two crucial decisions were made by defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr., who opted to stay and contribute to the team's future.
Safety Jaylen McClain, defensive tackle Eddrick Houston, and corner Devin Sanchez are also vital pieces in this defensive puzzle. Their experience and skills will be pivotal in shaping Ohio State's defense for the upcoming season.
But here's where it gets controversial... With so many starters gone, can Ohio State maintain its dominance? Will the returning players step up and fill the void left by their departed teammates?
Let's dive into the snap counts of these returning defensive players and analyze their potential impact on the field.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (SR):
- Total Snaps: 547
- Defensive End: 325
- Defensive Tackle: 105
- Linebacker: 115
Eddrick Houston (JR):
- Total Snaps: 323
- Defensive Tackle: 247
- Nose Tackle: 30
- Defensive End: 45
Will Smith Jr. (r-JR):
- Total Snaps: 223
- Defensive Tackle: 117
- Nose Tackle: 101
- Defensive End: 5
Beau Atkinson (SR):
- Total Snaps: 214
- Defensive End: 106
- Defensive Tackle: 28
- Linebacker: 79
Zion Grady (SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 104
- Defensive End: 66
- Defensive Tackle: 21
- Linebacker: 16
Jason Moore (r-JR):
- Total Snaps: 43
- Defensive Tackle: 38
- Defensive End: 4
- Nose Tackle: 1
Epi Sitanilei (r-FR):
- Total Snaps: 17
- Defensive End: 12
- Linebacker: 5
LINEBACKER
Payton Pierce (JR):
- Total Snaps: 262
- Outside Linebacker: 205
- Middle Linebacker: 34
- Nickel: 12
- Edge: 10
- Corner: 1
Riley Pettijohn (SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 77
- Outside Linebacker: 42
- Edge: 26
- Middle Linebacker: 4
- Nickel: 4
TJ Alford (SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 50
- Edge: 43
- Nickel: 5
- Outside Linebacker: 2
Garrett Stover (r-FR):
- Total Snaps: 22
- Outside Linebacker: 19
- Middle Linebacker: 2
- Edge: 1
Eli Lee (FR):
- Total Snaps: 6
- Outside Linebacker: 5
- Inside Linebacker: 1
Joey Velazquez (SR):
- Total Snaps: 3
- Outside Linebacker: 3
CORNERBACK
Jermaine Mathews Jr. (SR):
- Total Snaps: 693
- Outside Corner: 413
- Nickel: 185
- Free Safety: 33
- Linebacker: 31
- Strong Safety: 25
- Edge: 6
Devin Sanchez (FR):
- Total Snaps: 322
- Outside Corner: 290
- Strong Safety: 10
- Nickel: 9
- Linebacker: 7
- Edge: 4
Miles Lockhart (r-SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 3
- Nickel: 3
Jordyn Woods (FR):
- Total Snaps: 0
SAFETY
Jaylen McClain (SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 705
- Free Safety: 442
- Strong Safety: 94
- Linebacker: 79
- Nickel: 70
- Edge: 13
- Outside Corner: 7
Leroy Roker III (SOPH):
- Total Snaps: 81
- Free Safety: 67
- Linebacker: 6
- Strong Safety: 5
- Nickel: 3
DeShawn Stewart (FR):
- Total Snaps: 0
And this is the part most people miss... The snap counts provide valuable insights into where these players might excel in 2026. For example, Jermaine Mathews Jr.'s versatility, with snaps at corner, nickel, and safety, could be a game-changer for Ohio State's defense.
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, the question remains: Can Ohio State's returning players step up and continue the legacy of a top-ranked defense?
What do you think? Will Ohio State's defense maintain its dominance, or will the loss of starters prove too challenging? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the future of Ohio State's defensive dynasty!
