Imagine a college football defense so dominant, it ranks among the best in the modern era, only to lose eight of its starters to the NFL. That's the reality facing Ohio State as they prepare for the 2026 season. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite this mass exodus, the Buckeyes still have key players returning, and their snap counts from the 2025 season offer a fascinating glimpse into how the defense might reshape itself.
Last fall, Ohio State's defense was nothing short of legendary. They ranked No. 1 in both total and scoring defense, surrendering a mere 219.1 yards and 9.3 points per game. Their pass defense was equally formidable, allowing just 129.7 yards per game through the air, while their run defense ranked No. 7 nationally. Yet, with eight starters now in the NFL, the question looms: who will step up to fill those massive shoes?
And this is the part most people miss: the returning players, though fewer in number, bring versatility and experience that could be pivotal. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. are among the key returners whose offseason decisions were closely watched. Safety Jaylen McClain, defensive tackle Eddrick Houston, and corner Devin Sanchez are also critical pieces in this defensive puzzle.
Ohio State's 2025 season ended in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, falling short of a national championship repeat. But the focus has already shifted to recruiting and the transfer portal as the Buckeyes rebuild for 2026. Meanwhile, Ohio State basketball is in a fierce battle for an NCAA Tournament spot, making it the busiest time of year for Buckeye fans. Stay ahead of the curve by becoming a Bucknuts subscriber today! (https://ohiostate.247sports.com/UserSubscription/New?promo=TOC)
Following our analysis of the offensive snap counts last week, we now turn our attention to the defensive side. Using data from Pro Football Focus, we break down not just the total snaps played by each returning defensive player, but also their positional versatility. This analysis provides valuable insights into how these players might be utilized in the upcoming season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (SR): 547 total snaps – A true Swiss Army knife, Jackson lined up at defensive end (325 snaps), defensive tackle (105 snaps), and even linebacker (115 snaps). His ability to adapt across positions will be crucial.
Eddrick Houston (JR): 323 total snaps – Primarily a defensive tackle (247 snaps), Houston also saw action at nose tackle (30 snaps) and defensive end (45 snaps), showcasing his versatility.
Will Smith Jr. (r-JR): 223 total snaps – Smith split his time between defensive tackle (117 snaps) and nose tackle (101 snaps), with a brief appearance at defensive end (5 snaps).
Beau Atkinson (SR): 214 total snaps – Atkinson’s snaps were divided between defensive end (106 snaps), defensive tackle (28 snaps), and linebacker (79 snaps), highlighting his adaptability.
Zion Grady (SOPH): 104 total snaps – Grady lined up mostly at defensive end (66 snaps), with some snaps at defensive tackle (21 snaps) and linebacker (16 snaps).
Jason Moore (r-JR): 43 total snaps – Moore primarily played defensive tackle (38 snaps), with brief stints at defensive end (4 snaps) and nose tackle (1 snap).
Epi Sitanilei (r-FR): 17 total snaps – Sitanilei saw limited action, mostly at defensive end (12 snaps) and linebacker (5 snaps).
LINEBACKER
Payton Pierce (JR): 262 total snaps – Pierce was a jack-of-all-trades, playing outside linebacker (205 snaps), middle linebacker (34 snaps), nickel (12 snaps), and even corner (1 snap).
Riley Pettijohn (SOPH): 77 total snaps – Pettijohn’s snaps were split between outside linebacker (42 snaps), off the edge (26 snaps), middle linebacker (4 snaps), and nickel (4 snaps).
TJ Alford (SOPH): 50 total snaps – Alford primarily played off the edge (43 snaps), with some snaps at nickel (5 snaps) and outside linebacker (2 snaps).
Garrett Stover (r-FR): 22 total snaps – Stover saw action at outside linebacker (19 snaps), middle linebacker (2 snaps), and off the edge (1 snap).
Eli Lee (FR): 6 total snaps – Lee played mostly outside linebacker (5 snaps) with one snap at inside linebacker.
Joey Velazquez (SR): 3 total snaps – Velazquez had a limited role, playing only outside linebacker.
CORNERBACK
Jermaine Mathews Jr. (SR): 693 total snaps – Mathews was all over the field, playing outside corner (413 snaps), nickel (185 snaps), free safety (33 snaps), linebacker (31 snaps), strong safety (25 snaps), and even off the edge (6 snaps).
Devin Sanchez (FR): 322 total snaps – Sanchez primarily played outside corner (290 snaps), with some snaps at strong safety (10 snaps), nickel (9 snaps), linebacker (7 snaps), and off the edge (4 snaps).
Miles Lockhart (r-SOPH): 3 total snaps – Lockhart saw limited action, playing only nickel.
Jordyn Woods (FR): 0 total snaps – Woods did not see any action in 2025.
SAFETY
Jaylen McClain (SOPH): 705 total snaps – McClain was a defensive linchpin, playing free safety (442 snaps), strong safety (94 snaps), linebacker (79 snaps), nickel (70 snaps), and even off the edge (13 snaps).
Leroy Roker III (SOPH): 81 total snaps – Roker primarily played free safety (67 snaps), with some snaps at linebacker (6 snaps), strong safety (5 snaps), and nickel (3 snaps).
DeShawn Stewart (FR): 0 total snaps – Stewart did not see any action in 2025.
Controversial Question: With so many starters gone, can Ohio State's defense maintain its elite status in 2026? Or will the lack of experience prove to be their Achilles' heel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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