Knowledge is power, and three years of studying anything brings plenty of knowledge.
Nine of the 11 projected starters in Ohio State’s 2024 defense are entering their third year playing for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Davison Igbinosun is in his second year at Ohio State after starting in 2023 and safety Caleb Downs, the only projected starter with no background in Knowles’ defense, is fresh off a freshman season posting triple-digit tackles at Alabama.
There’s no doubt that there are gobs of talent and experience in the Buckeyes’ ball-stopping unit, with the potential to have all 11 players be multi-year Power Five starters if Sonny Styles wins the Will linebacker job.