Here’s a prediction for the Ohio State depth chart on defense as Matt Patricia replaces seven starters as we enter game week.
The blend of depth and young talent on Matt Patricia’s defense has me and the coaching staff optimistic. Patricia’s ability to hand-pick more of his own players lends credence to the potential of this unit as well. Coming from the “do your job” school of Bill Belichick, this likely means that the defensive mastermind has selected each skill set for a specific reason.
Seeing how he decides to organize this depth will be interesting to watch. Here’s how I see it shaking out, starting with the defensive line:
Defensive Line
Edge
1. Kenyatta Jackson Jr
2. Zion Grady
Edge
1. Beau Atkinson
2. Qua Russaw
Tackle
1. Eddrick Houston
2. Will Smith Jr
Tackle
1. James Smith
2. John Walker
The defensive line is one of the most intriguing units on the team this year. With a wide array of skill sets and experience, this depth chart is perhaps the least concrete beyond Kenyatta Jackson and Eddrick Houston. To me, James Smith’s raw strength and explosiveness give him the edge in the DT2 spot. However, John Walker’s proven run-stopping ability should earn him plenty of opportunities.
The second edge position still seems to be up in the air as the coaching staff continues to wait for someone to step up. Beau Atkinson appears to be getting another shot, but with unique talent like Qua Russaw, Zion Grady, and Epi Sitanilei not far behind, anything can happen.
Linebacker
MLB
1. Payton Pierce
2. TJ Alford
WLB
1. Christian Alliegro
2. Riley Pettijohn
The experience and versatility in the linebacker room are bountiful. Alliegro came after two years of leading the Wisconsin Badger defense. He’ll be alongside Payton Pierce, who has been working in lockstep with position coach James Laurinaitis ever since he stepped on campus. Pierce was also the highest-voted captain of the seven OSU captains selected last week.
With the potential and raw athleticism of Alford and Pettijohn, however, Laurinaitis and the staff have been adamant about the strong likelihood that both will be in the rotation. Considering the departure of two top-ten NFL picks at the position, the loss of production will likely have to be made up in the aggregate. With that being said, Matt Patricia is no stranger to finding ways to utilize talent.
Secondary
Cornerback
1. Devin Sanchez
2. Dominick Kelly
Cornerback
1. Jermaine Mathews
2. Cam Calhoun
Nickelback
1. Jay Timmons
2. Simeon Caldwell
Free Safety
1. Jaylen McClain
2. Leroy Roker III
Strong Safety
1. Earl Little Jr
2. Terry Moore
If I were to pick a defensive unit I have the most confidence in overall, it would be the secondary. The transfer acquisitions of Earl Little Jr, Terry Moore, and Dominick Kelly bolster this group considerably. Jay Timmons’ ascension into a probable starting role has been a major revelation for the staff and appears to be an impact player on day one. All this combined with the return of Devin Sanchez, Jermaine Mathews and Jaylen McClain makes for an exciting group to watch.
The additions to Matt Patricia’s defense are exceptional. Given the exodus of talent to the NFL starting in 2025, the staff had little choice but to do so if they wanted to uphold the standard on defense. How will the mad scientist with the No. 2 pencil handle this year’s silver bullets? We shall find out this Saturday.
NEXT: Read Predicting Ohio State’s Depth Chart on Offense for 2026 Season
Grant Kincaid was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Dayton. He serves as Creative Director and basketball contributor at The Silver Bulletin. At one point, Grant, a collegiate baseball player, also holds a B.A. in Management and Leadership Studies. Aside from the Buckeyes, he is an avid supporter of both the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. His favorite Buckeyes include Braxton Miller, AJ Hawk, and Ted Ginn Jr.