Ohio State Buckeyes Football: 2026 Defensive Preview
Ohio State has its work cut out for it on defense in 2026. With a challenging schedule and the need to replace some star players, the defense will have to play well. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has his work cut out for him, but he is highly skilled. We will see what he has in store. He certainly has talented players with whom to work.
There are some talented players on the defensive side of the ball for Ohio State. However, newcomers need to play well. The team must replace some high draft picks with Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. Those two players played in the defensive secondary and at linebacker for the Buckeyes last year. Where do you think the Buckeye defense will be ranked this season?
Ohio State Defensive 2026 Preview
It will be interesting to see how the Ohio State defense will end up this season. They have some talented players, but must replace two top draft picks: defensive back Caleb Downs and Linebacker Sonny Styles. Without further ado, here is a review of the Buckeye defense.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is the unit where Ohio State is the deepest and most talented. The best player on defense is probably defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. He should be backed up by Zion Grady and Khary Wilder, both of whom could see significant time as the Buckeyes rotate players through the defensive line. Opposite him, we should see Beau Atkinson. He will likely be backed up by transfer Qua Russaw. Eli Sitanilei will provide depth.
At defensive tackle, Edderick Houston is healthy and looking to have a big year. James Smith and John Walker, both transfers in, are likely to see significant playing time. Either could start. Will Smith Jr. and Jason Moore provide depth.
Linebacker
Ohio State could play either two or three linebackers in 2026. Assuming they play two, Transfer Cristian Allergro should be one, and Peyton Perice should be the other. There is a lot of depth at linebacker for the Buckeyes, with Riley Pettijohn and Tarvos Alford being the first off the bench. Cincere Johnson, Garrett Stover, Eli Lee, and Braxton Rembrant are in the mix. Cincere Johnson deserves to be singled out; he looks like a senior, but is only a freshman. These players will need to step up.
Defensive Back
On paper, the defensive secondary for Ohio State will be a weak point. Caleb Downs, who might have been the best defensive player in the nation, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. The Buckeyes play five in the defensive backfield and expect Jaylin McCaim and Devin Sanchez to start. Transfer in Terry Moore will look to replace Downs. Jermaine Matthews Jr. will start at the left cornerback position, and transfer-in Earl Little Jr. will be the nicleback.
The substitutes will be Cam Calhoun, freshman Jay Timmons, Dominick Kelly, Jordan Thomas, and Miles Lockhart, who will be substitute cornerbacks. Blaine Bradford, Leroy Rooker III, and Khamari Bing will be the backup players at safety. These players will also have to step up and look for Sanchez to have a big year.
Conclusion
The Ohio State defense will be fascinating this season. They have a lot of great athletes who could make a big impact. However, this side of the ball will almost certainly be a weakness for the Buckeyes. These players, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker, must emerge.
