The 2021 season was not kind for the Ohio State defense. The unit as a whole proved to be a liability in big games and was one of the main reasons why the Buckeyes failed to meet expectations in 2021. Although the Buckeyes struggled in 2021 there is hope for 2022.

Ohio State recently welcomed Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to work his magic on the silver bullets. With plenty of young talent to mold, Knowles should be able to fix the defense. Based on that assumption, here are some names that could breakout in 2022.

Kourt Williams

In the Rose Bowl, Kourt Williams played some of his best football. He made a critical tackle on third down to keep Utah from extending the lead to 14 in the third quarter. The four-star DB/LB recruit finished the night with six tackles and a sack that knocked Utah’s starting quarterback Cameron Rising out of the game.  Williams also flashed in garbage time against Maryland, Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan State.

The Rose Bowl proved to be a pivotal moment so far in Williams’ career after sitting out all of 2020 due to a torn ACL. It is clear that Williams is beginning to put it all together, but now it is up to Knowles to make sure he continues in 2022. Expect Knowles to utilize Williams at both safety and linebacker next season.

Still can’t get over this open field tackle by Kourt Williams #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/DIs0zxPML4

— THE Bunch of Nuts Podcast (@bunch_nuts) October 24, 2021

Tommy Eichenberg

No one had a better end to their season than Tommy Eichenberg. In the beginning of the year No. 35 was a complete liability. Against Tulsa was rock bottom for Eichenberg where he played 53 snaps and made zero tackles. Since that game Eichenberg improved every week. Two weeks later he recorded an interception against Rutgers. However, the cherry on top was when No. 35 culminated his season by winning defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl after recording 17 tackles in the win.

Without a doubt, Jim Knowles is going to love the attitude Eichenberg brings. With Knowles leading the linebackers directly, expect Eichenberg to be tasked with being one of the leaders of the unit. Eichenberg will thrive in a defense where he is allowed to attack gaps. Fully expect Knowles to realize this and call his defense to get the best out of No. 35.

Jordan Hancock

In 2021 Denzel Burke stole the show at cornerback for this team. However, Jordan Hancock was one of the top cornerback recruits in the nation and contributed in 2021 with four tackles and tackle pass deflection. With the departure of Ryan Watts and the highly likely departure of Sevyn Banks there will be room on this defense for another cornerback to step up. Expect the four-star cornerback recruit to be next in line if an injury were to happen to Cameron Brown or Denzel Burke.

Honorable Mention: Sonny Styles

Sonny Styles enters the year as a true freshman. The 5-star safety from Pickerington Central has the frame to be a stud in Columbus. From his time at Oklahoma State, Jim Knowles has made sure to utilize the safety position in his defenses. In fact, Knowles routinely played five safeties per game at Oklahoma State. Based on this it would be feasible for Styles to see some action in 2022 despite a crowded room which includes Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McCalister. Knowles has already been scouting Styles in person at his basketball games so there is reason to believe he is already scheming up a plan for the big time recruit.