On Wednesday night, news broke that the Buckeyes had finally ended their Defensive Coordinator search, officially hiring former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia. A mix of opinions have came out whether that be fans, former players, coaches, and more. More importantly though, some potential future Buckeyes gave their thoughts on the Buckeyes hiring Patricia.

More importantly, one of the Buckeyes top targets in the secondary 2026 four-star DB Jordan Thomas. The Bergen Catholic prospect said, “I think that this is a great move! Especially since he is coming from the NFL with knowledge being with Patriots, along with winning three Super Bowls with them. The Buckeyes defensively are still in great hands.”

In addition, recent Texas A&M Commitment 2026 four-star DL Jermaine Kinsler shared his thoughts before committing to the Aggies. Kinsler said, “Very good addition to the staff for the Buckeyes.” Both attend the same high school as 2025 Ohio State WR signee Quincy Porter.

Speaking of prospects committed elsewhere, 2026 South Carolina commitment and three-star CB Peyton Dyer spoke highly of the Buckeyes new defensive guru. Dyer said, “He is a good Coach. He is bringing some more NFL experience to the program. It’s like if your goal is to play at the next level why not get Coached by the best to be the best.” In addition, he said that he “most definitely” plans on taking an Ohio State official visit. In the area of secondary, one of the Buckeyes biggest in-state targets spoke about Patricia. 2026 five-star CB Elbert Hill said, “I don’t know much about him but I will love to find out.”

One of the Buckeyes top DL prospects said great things about the hire. That being 2026 four-star DL Simote Katoanga, which he said, “Great hire. The NFL experience Matt Patricia brings as a Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator will only enhance the defending national champion’s defense to another level.”

 

A prospect that recently scheduled his Ohio State Official Visit spoke on the hire as well. That being 2026 three-star EDGE Keysaun Eleazer, who is scheduled to take an official visit to Ohio State on June 13th. The pass rusher said, “Excited to see what he. does different with the Ohio State defense.”

Staying in North Carolina, another one of the Buckeyes top targets, 2026 four-star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Hayes. The Tarheel State prospect said, “That’s a great hire. Knowing a NFL bred coach is coming to coach for the Buckeyes.” Staying in the Tarheel State, 2026 four-star DL Aiden Harris spoke about the hire. The elite pass rusher said, “I hope he come ready to work.” There is a ton of questions, buzz, concerns and excitement around the hire from Buckeye nation. But, some of the Buckeyes top targets seem very excited with the hire of Patricia.