Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia Highlights Early Standouts and Emphasizes Accountability During Intense First Days of 2025 Fall Camp
Ohio State’s 2025 fall camp is officially underway, and after just two days of practice, there’s already a different feel surrounding the Buckeyes’ defense. New defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, formerly of the NFL’s New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, is wasting no time putting his stamp on a unit loaded with talent but hungry to shed recent narratives. On Friday, Patricia addressed the media for the first time since camp opened and offered a detailed and candid assessment of what he’s seen, what he expects, and which players are already starting to emerge as leaders and playmakers.
The message from Patricia was clear: the standard at Ohio State is high, and this defense will be held to it from the first rep to the final whistle.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Patricia said, standing just off the practice field in Columbus. “But I’m encouraged by the effort, the intensity, and most of all, the accountability. These guys understand what’s expected, and you can see that in how they’re approaching each drill. It’s still early, but we’re starting to get a real sense of who wants to be great.”
That theme—accountability—surfaced repeatedly during Patricia’s 20-minute media session. Known for his no-nonsense, detail-obsessed approach, Patricia is bringing an NFL-level edge to Ohio State’s practices. Every drill is timed. Every rep is evaluated. Mistakes are corrected immediately. Players who loaf or show hesitation are replaced without ceremony. And it’s all part of building a defense that can not only dominate the Big Ten but also hold up against the elite offenses the Buckeyes will face if they want to win a national title.
“You can’t fake toughness,” Patricia said. “You either bring it every day, or you don’t. And that’s what we’re looking for—guys who bring it. Guys who communicate. Guys who compete.”
So far, several players are doing exactly that.
Junior linebacker C.J. Hicks, long considered one of the most athletic defenders on the roster, was the first name Patricia mentioned when asked who’s flashed early. Hicks is taking on a larger leadership role this year and has impressed the staff with his communication and play recognition. In team periods, Hicks has been everywhere—flying downhill to stop the run, chasing down tight ends in coverage, and barking out adjustments pre-snap like a seasoned NFL vet.
“He’s got the tools, that’s obvious,” Patricia said of Hicks. “But what’s really impressed me is how vocal he’s become. He’s seeing the game more clearly, anticipating things before they happen. That’s the next step for him, and he’s taking it.”
The secondary, a group that boasts returning veterans and promising young talent, has also turned heads. Denzel Burke, entering his senior season, is setting the tone in the cornerback room. According to Patricia, Burke’s attention to detail, practice habits, and overall competitiveness have elevated not just his own game, but those around him.
“Denzel’s got that pro mindset,” Patricia said. “You watch how he approaches film, how he breaks down receivers, how he corrects himself even before we do—it’s impressive. He’s locking things down right now, and he’s challenging the younger guys to keep up.”
Those younger guys include second-year corner Jermaine Mathews Jr., who’s been one of the most talked-about names in early practices. Mathews saw meaningful action as a freshman and is now pushing for a starting role opposite Burke. Patricia praised Mathews’ instincts, footwork, and natural feel for the game, noting that he’s made several pass breakups and has shown an ability to stay disciplined through double moves and deep shots.
“He’s got a lot of natural ability,” Patricia said. “But more than that, he competes. He’s not afraid of the moment. That’s what you want to see from a young corner.”
Safety play has also been a point of emphasis, and returning starter Lathan Ransom has picked up where he left off before a midseason injury cut short his 2024 campaign. Patricia lauded Ransom’s football IQ and physicality, describing him as the “quarterback of the backend.” In Patricia’s system, where safeties are often asked to rotate late and disguise coverage, having a veteran like Ransom is critical.
“Lathan’s presence back there gives us a lot of flexibility,” Patricia explained. “He’s a guy who can roll into the box, play center field, cover tight ends—he understands all the responsibilities and he embraces them.”
Patricia also pointed to true freshman Aaron Scott as someone who has already turned heads in limited reps. The in-state five-star corner has wasted no time showing why he was one of the top recruits in the country. Though he’s still learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of college football, Patricia said Scott’s footwork and anticipation are already “well ahead of the curve.”
“You don’t usually see freshmen step in and look this smooth,” Patricia said. “But he’s different. If he keeps stacking days, he’s going to be in the mix sooner than later.”
Up front, the defensive line is showing the kind of depth and explosiveness that fans have been waiting to see. Defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, both returning for their senior seasons, are playing with noticeable urgency, according to Patricia.
“These guys know what time it is,” Patricia said. “They came back to win. They’re playing like grown men right now—physical, smart, and relentless. That edge duo is one of the best I’ve worked with, and I’ve been around some pretty good ones.”
Patricia’s appreciation for defensive line play is well known, dating back to his days coaching the Patriots’ front seven. And in Ohio State’s interior, he sees plenty to like. Mike Hall Jr. and Tyleik Williams are anchoring the inside with power and quickness, and both have drawn praise for how they’ve adapted to the new language and calls being implemented this fall.
“Those two guys can wreck games,” Patricia said. “The key is consistency. We’re putting a lot on their plates right now, and they’re handling it. If they keep improving, it changes what we can do with our blitz packages and coverage schemes.”
One of the biggest changes under Patricia has been a renewed focus on situational football. Rather than just running base defense against scout looks, the Buckeyes have been drilling red zone scenarios, third-and-mediums, and sudden-change situations from the opening day of camp. That attention to detail is something Patricia believes was missing from the defense in recent years.
“You have to prepare for the chaos,” he said. “Because that’s what happens in big games. You give up a turnover and you’re on the field with the ball on your own 25. What do you do? How do you respond? We want that response to be automatic.”
So far, that response has been loud. The defense has reportedly won multiple team periods through the first two practices, drawing praise from the offensive staff and even head coach Ryan Day. The energy on the field is different. The communication is sharper. The aggression is ramped up.
Still, Patricia isn’t ready to crown anyone.
“It’s two days,” he said flatly. “We’ve had good moments. But this game is about stacking good days. About doing it again. And again. Until it becomes who you are.”
What’s clear is that Patricia is not interested in easing into anything. His NFL pedigree brings a sense of urgency and discipline that’s already reshaping the identity of the Buckeye defense. And while he stopped short of predicting greatness, his belief in the potential of this group was evident.
“We’ve got the pieces,” Patricia concluded. “We’ve got smart players. Tough players. Competitive players. Now it’s about putting it all together. If we do that, we’ll be a defense nobody wants to face.”
For Buckeye fans, that’s music to the ears. After years of watching elite offenses carry the load while the defense struggled to find consistency, there’s real hope that the 2025 unit will be different. More aggressive. More disciplined. More dangerous.
And under Matt Patricia’s watch, there’s little doubt: they’ll be held to the highest standard, every single day.
