Ohio State didn’t need to mix up its defensive fronts much over the past two years. It’ll have more reason to in 2025.
With Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau at defensive end and Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton and Mike Hall Jr. (in 2023) at defensive tackle, Ohio State rarely deviated from using a four-man defensive front over the last two seasons. Although its pass-rush scheme drew scrutiny at times – even from Nick Saban after last year’s loss to Oregon – the Buckeyes’ defensive model was ultimately justified as Ohio State led the nation in pass defense in 2023 and in total defense in 2024, also finishing last season third in the FBS in sacks per game as the defensive line’s dominance in the College Football Playoff led the way to a national championship.