Buckeyes' Defense in Transition: Unraveling the 2025 Snap Counts
The Ohio State Buckeyes' defense is facing a significant transformation as they bid farewell to a stellar 2025 season. With a top-ranked defense that dominated the college football scene, the Buckeyes are now tasked with rebuilding for the 2026 season, as eight starters have moved on to the NFL.
But who will step up to fill these big shoes?
Bucknuts takes a deep dive into the 2025 snap counts to analyze the experience returning to the defensive unit. This analysis goes beyond the surface, examining not just the total snaps but also the specific positions played. By understanding these details, we can predict the potential lineup for the upcoming season.
Defensive Line:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (SR): A versatile player, he racked up 547 total snaps, primarily as a defensive end, but also contributed as a defensive tackle and linebacker.
- Eddrick Houston (JR): With 323 total snaps, Houston was a key player at defensive tackle, nose tackle, and occasionally as a defensive end.
- Will Smith Jr. (r-JR): Smith played 223 snaps, mostly at defensive tackle and nose tackle, with a few snaps as a defensive end.
- Beau Atkinson (SR): Atkinson's 214 snaps were split between defensive end, defensive tackle, and linebacker.
- Zion Grady (SOPH): A young talent, Grady saw action in 104 snaps, primarily as a defensive end, with some time at defensive tackle and linebacker.
- Jason Moore (r-JR) and Epi Sitanilei (r-FR) contributed with a combined 60 snaps, mainly at defensive tackle.
Linebacker:
- Payton Pierce (JR): A standout with 262 total snaps, Pierce played multiple positions, including outside linebacker, middle linebacker, nickel, and even a few snaps at corner.
- Riley Pettijohn (SOPH) and TJ Alford (SOPH) shared 127 snaps, mostly off the edge and at outside linebacker.
- Garrett Stover (r-FR) and Eli Lee (FR) had limited playing time, but showed potential in their respective roles.
Cornerback:
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. (SR): A cornerstone of the defense, Mathews played 693 snaps, primarily at outside corner, but also filled in at nickel, free safety, and even linebacker.
- Devin Sanchez (FR): Sanchez contributed 322 snaps, mostly at outside corner, with some snaps at strong safety, nickel, and linebacker.
- Miles Lockhart (r-SOPH) and Jordyn Woods (FR) had minimal playing time.
Safety:
- Jaylen McClain (SOPH): McClain was a workhorse, playing 705 snaps, primarily at free safety, but also showcasing versatility at strong safety, linebacker, and nickel.
- Leroy Roker III (SOPH) and DeShawn Stewart (FR) had limited opportunities, but their development will be crucial.
As the Buckeyes navigate the offseason, the decisions of key returning players like Jackson Jr. and Mathews Jr. will be pivotal. The team's success in the transfer portal and recruiting could shape their defensive prowess in 2026. And this is where the real intrigue lies—will the Buckeyes be able to rebuild their defensive dynasty? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the upcoming season promises to be a fascinating journey for Ohio State fans.
