Jermaine Mathews Jr. Aims to Re-Establish Ohio State’s “Best in America” Cornerback Legacy in 2025
The storied tradition of Ohio State’s cornerback room, affectionately known as “BIA” or “Best in America,” is a benchmark that carries immense weight within the program and among its fervent fanbase. For years, the scarlet and gray defensive backfield has churned out NFL-ready talent, a pipeline of shutdown corners who epitomize elite coverage and aggressive play. As the 2025 season approaches, with key departures from the formidable secondary that anchored the Buckeyes’ defense in previous years, the mantle of leadership and the responsibility of upholding this esteemed legacy falls squarely on the shoulders of junior Jermaine Mathews Jr.
Mathews isn’t a new face to the Ohio State faithful. His talent has been evident since he first stepped onto the field as a true freshman. Even as he backed up established starters like Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, Mathews seized every opportunity to make an impact. In critical moments, he demonstrated flashes of the elite athleticism, physicality, and football IQ that coaches and fans alike covet in a top-tier cornerback. His performance in pivotal games, notably stepping up when Burke was injured in 2023 against Penn State, showcased a maturity beyond his years and a readiness for the bright lights. He made crucial tackles, broke up passes, and consistently put himself in positions to disrupt opposing offenses. These contributions, though often in a supporting role, laid the groundwork for his anticipated ascent to a starting position.
Now, with Burke departing for the NFL and Jordan Hancock, another crucial piece of the secondary, also moving on, Mathews is poised to step out of the shadows and become a primary figure in the Buckeyes’ defense. The transition from valuable rotational piece to undisputed starter brings with it increased expectations and a heightened sense of urgency. For Mathews, however, this shift in designation doesn’t change his approach. As he’s expressed, it simply means “I’m going to be out there a little bit more.” His focus remains on making plays when they come to him and continually striving for improvement, a testament to his grounded mentality and unwavering commitment to his craft.
The “BIA” moniker isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a standard rooted in a history of consistent excellence. From Antoine Winfield and Shawn Springs to Malcolm Jenkins, Jeff Okudah, and Denzel Ward, Ohio State has consistently produced defensive backs who not only dominate at the collegiate level but also go on to thrive in the NFL. The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw the cornerback room live up to this standard, with the Buckeyes’ pass defense consistently ranking among the nation’s best. The challenge for 2025 is to maintain that elite status amidst personnel changes.
Mathews is acutely aware of this challenge and embraces it with confidence. He firmly believes that the current cornerback room, despite the departures, remains the most talented in the country. This confidence isn’t born of arrogance but rather a deep-seated belief in the collective ability and potential of his teammates. He understands that upholding the “BIA” standard isn’t just about individual brilliance but about a collective commitment to excellence, a shared energy, and a willingness to hold each other accountable. His leadership, both through his on-field performance and his vocal encouragement, will be crucial in fostering this environment.
His coaches have certainly taken notice of his growth. Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has highlighted Mathews’ significant strides in leadership, sense of urgency, and on-field performance. Mathews has embraced the responsibility of being accountable for himself and for holding his teammates to the same high standards. This newfound leadership, coupled with his consistent improvement in the “little things,” has elevated his play throughout spring practice and signals his readiness to take on a more prominent role.
Mathews’ versatility is another key asset in his bid to solidify the “BIA” legacy. While primarily an outside corner, his physicality and willingness to engage in run support make him a viable option for the nickel position as well. This flexibility allows the coaching staff, including first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, to deploy him in various alignments, maximizing his impact and adapting to different offensive schemes. Being closer to the ball at the nickel spot, as Mathews himself notes, provides him with more opportunities to make plays and showcase his multifaceted skillset.
Beyond his physical gifts and technical development, Mathews possesses the intangible qualities that define a true leader. His energetic presence is infectious, a wellspring of confidence for his younger teammates and even some of the older, less experienced players. He understands that confidence is paramount in the high-stakes world of college football, and he actively works to instill it in those around him. This ability to uplift and empower his peers will be invaluable as the Buckeyes navigate a challenging 2025 schedule.
The journey to re-establish the “BIA” moniker in 2025 will be a collective effort, but Jermaine Mathews Jr. is undoubtedly positioned as a central figure in that endeavor. His unwavering confidence, demonstrable talent, leadership qualities, and versatile skillset make him the ideal candidate to spearhead this charge. As he steps into a full-time starting role, all eyes will be on him to not only live up to the standard but to elevate it, ensuring that the “Best in America” legacy continues to ring true for Ohio State’s cornerbacks for years to come. The upcoming season represents not just a new chapter for the Buckeyes’ secondary, but a pivotal moment for Mathews to cement his place as one of the program’s truly great defensive backs, a testament to dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
