All that feels different about being a starter for Jermaine Mathews Jr. is the depth-chart designation.
The junior made big contributions in big spots as both a freshman and a sophomore, even if he was backing up Ohio State’s starting outside cornerback tandem of the past two years, Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun.
“It just means I'm going to be out there a little bit more,” Mathews said in April. “It really doesn't change too much. Just make the plays when they come to me and just try to get better.”
Ohio State’s cornerback room lived up to its “Best in America” moniker in 2023 and 2024, helping the Buckeyes' pass defense finish as a top-three passing defense both years.