The biggest question mark on Ohio State’s football roster is defensive tackle, so let’s take a look at the Buckeyes’ depth.
Defensive tackle depth has emerged as one of the biggest storylines and potential concerns surrounding Ohio State’s 2025 roster. While starting talent remains high, the loss of key contributors like Hero Kanu has left the Buckeyes with less proven experience behind their frontline starters.
With the rigors of a long season and championship aspirations, developing reliable rotation options at defensive tackle is critical for sustaining success in Columbus. As attention turns to preseason camp, all eyes are on which young players will step up to solidify the interior of Ohio State’s defensive line, and whether this evolving position group can match the elite standard set by the rest of the Buckeye defense.
While we all trust in Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston, here is my deep dive on the next few guys…
Moore, Jason – 6’6″ 305lbs
The first thing that stands out about Jason is his prototypical build. He looks the part of a Big Ten defensive tackle. Yet, so far, his on-field impact hasn’t quite matched the promise his physical tools suggest. With so much depth at the position last season, especially as the year wore on, Jason’s opportunities for meaningful reps were limited.
This year, however, with the roster turning over and more snaps up for grabs, the Buckeyes need Jason to take a significant step forward if they want to consistently control the line of scrimmage.
At his best, Jason’s combination of a big frame, long arms, and agility makes him a matchup problem for most offensive linemen. Physically, he checks all the boxes—he should be able to use his length to disengage from blocks and his quick feet to slip through gaps. However, his tape hasn’t yet shown the consistency or playmaking you want from a cornerstone defensive tackle.
Part of the learning curve for Jason likely stems from his background as a high school defensive end. While that has helped him maintain impressive athleticism, the transition inside requires a different approach—one that demands more leverage, power at the point of attack, and discipline with gap integrity.
Too often in the early games last season, even when Jason would win a one-on-one battle, he would find himself out of position and unable to finish the play—a costly pattern that must be cleaned up.
Heading into this season, the challenge for Jason is clear. The coaching staff needs to see him firing off the ball with more urgency, playing with greater lower-body power, and above all, maintaining discipline in his assignments. If he can combine his natural gifts with improved technique and situational awareness, Jason has the chance to become a difference-maker in the trenches for Ohio State. Otherwise, he risks being passed up in a deep rotation hungry for proven production.
This is a pivotal year for Jason, and the Buckeyes’ hopes of dominating up front could hinge, in part, on his development.
Malone Jr., Tywone – 6’4″ 301lbs
Tywone Malone Jr. is another player the Buckeyes need to see emerge this season as a steady contributor on the defensive interior. Once a highly pursued recruit who began his college career at Ole Miss, Tywone now finds himself with a golden opportunity to carve out a meaningful role in the Ohio State rotation. Like several others in this position group, his reps were limited last season, but the flashes he did put on tape were encouraging.
What separates Tywone is his stout build and natural strength—he’s shown an ability to anchor against double teams and hold his ground at the line of scrimmage, which is exactly what this defense needs to offset the loss of experience from last year’s roster. He consistently flashes to the football and has a nose for disrupting plays, but similar to Jason Moore, he sometimes gets out of position and loses leverage after initial contact. Cleaning up that part of his game will be critical if he’s to become the reliable anchor the Buckeyes need in the rotation.
Right now, Tywone appears to be the top option among the rotational defensive tackles. While Jason Moore’s upside is undeniable, Tywone’s physicality and game experience put him in a prime position to take on more snaps early and often this fall. Last year, Malone Jr. managed 8 tackles in a limited role; with expanded playing time and a bigger place in the defensive scheme, those numbers should climb significantly.
The stage is set for Tywone to step up and establish himself as a force on the interior—if he can build on his strengths and bring more consistency to his game, he could quickly become an indispensable piece of Ohio State’s defensive front.
Another emerging name to watch in Ohio State’s defensive tackle rotation is this young standout from Dublin, Ohio. Growing up on Buckeye football, he’s well aware of the tradition and high standard that define the defensive line in Columbus, and he’s eager to make his own mark on that legacy.
What sets him apart is his relentless motor and explosive power off the snap. He flashes a heavy initial punch at the line of scrimmage and has made noticeable physical strides over the offseason, reshaping his body in preparation for a bigger role. Coaches have raved about his work ethic and the energy he brings to every rep, and it’s clear he’s ready to take a significant step forward.
With improved conditioning and added strength, he’s primed to break into the two-deep rotation and log meaningful snaps this year. The one area for growth: finishing plays. He does an excellent job disrupting in the backfield and creating havoc, but too often he’s been just a step away from completing the play with a tackle for loss or a sack.
If he can harness that disruptive ability and turn opportunities into finishes, there’s no question he could become a difference-maker up front. The potential is there for a breakout season—and with the drive he’s shown this offseason, don’t be surprised if he establishes himself as a key rotational piece on Ohio State’s defensive line in 2025.
Taken together, Jason Moore, Tywone Malone Jr., and Will Smith Jr. represent the next wave of talent tasked with anchoring the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line. Each brings a unique skill set. Jason with his rare physical tools, Tywone with his stout presence and ability to take on double teams, and Will with relentless energy and an upgraded frame.
Collectively, their continued development will be pivotal in establishing the interior toughness and consistency Ohio State needs for a championship run. These are the names that need to emerge if a repeat is in store this year.
While the defensive tackle position may not have the household names of recent years, the potential is clear. The group lacks extensive game experience, but it compensates with athletic upside, versatility, and a strong hunger to prove itself. If these three can translate their flashes into sustained production, and if the younger depth continues to emerge, Ohio State could turn what many see as a question mark into a real position of strength as the season unfolds. Their growth might ultimately determine just how far this defense, and this team, can go in 2025.
I’ve had the privilege of working across every corner of the sports media landscape—from covering Friday night lights as a beat writer for PrepRedzone, to reporting with the team at News Channel 4 WSMV (NBC affiliate), and diving deep into recruiting and scouting as an intern at Middle Tennessee State. During my time as a college student at MTSU, I also honed my broadcasting skills at the campus radio station, bringing live sports coverage and in-depth analysis to listeners across campus. My passion for sports runs deep, but nothing fires me up quite like Ohio State football. I can’t wait to bring my energy, experience, and Buckeye enthusiasm to this new opportunity!