Ohio State’s secondary has seen an emergence of young talent coupled with impact transfers. Here’s the latest about the defensive backs from fall camp.

After losing one of the best safeties ever to play college football, Caleb Downs, and a Senior leader in Lorenzo Styles, the back end of Ohio State’s defense needed replenishing. How will Matt Patricia go about doing so?

Jaylen McClain has emerged as a dependable Free Safety after having received praise for his growth throughout the offseason. FSU transfer Earl Little Jr has settled into more of a Strong Safety role as camp has gone on. Little Jr has shown the ability to play both safety positions and nickelback effectively.

Between him and highly touted transfer Terry Moore, there could be some rotation among new pieces. While Moore is still fighting for a starting spot, Devin Sanchez, Jermaine Matthews, Earl Little Jr., and Jaylen McClain seem to be all but set as starters.

So who else could see playing time or potentially slide into the starting rotation in the secondary?

Jay Timmons

Except for Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews, Ohio State’s coaching staff went into fall camp with an open mind at the corner position. Then entered the standout freshman Jay Timmons. Ever since spring practice, he’s been a trending topic for the Buckeyes. Most recently, during his Saturday press conference, Ryan Day raved about Timmons:

“Jay Timmons is gonna play. He’s been doing a real good job…His ability to make plays. He’s super competitive. He’s edgy. He just has a knack for the game”

Although Timmons getting the stamp of approval from Coach Day is objective evidence that he will see the field this year, there is still competition for that CB2 spot. Transfer Dominick Kelly has been involved with the first team, too, and has flashed his own abilities throughout camp.

Dominick Kelly

Kelly came from Georgia with limited experience but was able to see the field regularly as a freshman under Kirby Smart, which isn’t easy to do. Kelly’s athleticism, length, and ball skills are evident in camp. When evaluating who could become the opposite of Devin Sanchez, Dominick certainly fits the mold.

🗣️ Ryan Day: “There’s no rebuilding anything around here, so that’s the standard.”

Day also said the offense and defense both know they’re expected to be the best in the country, despite the differences from last year. pic.twitter.com/AxtQ5BxxBo

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) August 15, 2026

Coach Day hasn’t shied away from the expectations of this defense post-NFL exodus. “All the guys on the defensive staff and the players will tell you the same thing,” Day said. “They’re expecting to be the best defense in the country.”

With Matt Patricia leading the defense, a goal as lofty as that isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Ohio State had the top unit in 2025 and added notable transfers to close the gap. If the Buckeyes can gel and build continuity, and the transfer players hit, this will be another great defense.

Facing one of the toughest schedules in the country against some of the top quarterbacks in college football, the secondary is uber-important for the Buckeyes.

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