There’s tons of newness for Ohio State in 2025, but that’s especially true on the defensive side of the football.
All four defensive line starters are new. Half of the Buckeyes’ starting linebacker corps and 60% of their starting secondary are new. In total, eight of the 11 starters for their season opener will be new. The defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, is new.
Those fresh faces get thrown into the fire with a showdown to open the season against the No. 1-ranked team in college football, Texas, one debuting a projected superstar quarterback in Arch Manning and returning a 1,000-yard rusher in Tre Wisner.