New Ohio State defensive coordinator predicted to chase impact presence in spring transfer portal
The Ohio State Buckeyes were behemoths in the transfer portal last year and utilized their haul to end its national championship drought. Ryan Day added the likes of Will Howard, Caleb Downs, and Quinshon Judkins in a star-studded class of veteran talent. The approach worked as they augmented an already solid roster with impact players. […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes were behemoths in the transfer portal last year and utilized their haul to end its national championship drought. Ryan Day added the likes of Will Howard, Caleb Downs, and Quinshon Judkins in a star-studded class of veteran talent. The approach worked as they augmented an already solid roster with impact players.
They're hoping their approach works again in 2025. Day had to replace defensive coordinator Jim Knowles with former New England Patriots and Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia. Recruits and former players are excited for the move, and its possible transfer options are as well.
As the Buckeyes look to replace most of their starting lineup from the 2024-25 title-winning team, a few positions lack star power. Their defensive depth chart reveals a hole at safety, in particular.
Yahoo Sports made three bold predictions on Friday, and one included Patricia's involvement in the portal. Here's what they had to say:
Apparently Ohio State can reload at key assistant coach positions much like it does on the recruiting trail.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is gone but former NFL head coach and star assistant coach Matt Patricia is taking his place. The longtime New England Patriots defensive coordinator arrives in Columbus with three Super Bowl rings and the credibility to immediately take over the Ohio State defense.
One thing Knowles did a great job with during his time at Ohio State was making sure the Buckeyes were prepared to play a variety of defensive schemes. Ohio State had the personnel to allow Knowles to be as creative as he wanted and it resulted in the Buckeyes fielding the best defensive unit in college football.
The 2025 Ohio State defense is shaping up to be a good one but the biggest question mark is at safety. All-American Caleb Downs has one of the safety positions locked down but the other spot is seemingly up for grabs. Malik Hartford, Jaylen McClain and Davison Igbinosun could end up in that role but odds are good that Patricia and the Buckeyes add a safety in the spring transfer window.
This prediction seems like a solid one. Ohio State chased after Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman before he opted for Oregon. With Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom now in the NFL, the Buckeyes lack a physical and versatile option for the slot safety and corner hybrid role they used last year.
Hartford and McClain are slighter-framed options, so it's possible Patricia would instead have Downs closer to the line of scrimmage and flip the tactic from last year. Igbinosun indeed seems more fitted for the slot than an outside corner because of his physicality, and that alignment could potentially reduce his penchant for taking bad penalties.
We'll be monitoring the spring transfer portal when it opens for the latest news, rumors, and intel.