Before their game against Texas, Ohio State football’s defense must undergo a significant rebuild: Buckeye Talk podcast

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their high-stakes matchup against the Texas Longhorns, it’s clear that the team’s defensive unit is facing significant challenges that could impact their chances of success. A standout feature of Ohio State football in recent years has been its defense, with a proud tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent and being a feared force on the field. However, as the Buckeyes approach their pivotal showdown with Texas, it’s apparent that their defensive lineup requires a major overhaul to remain competitive at the highest level.

This article will explore the key aspects of Ohio State’s defensive rebuild, the factors contributing to their struggles, and how they can address these issues to make a strong push for victory against a formidable Texas squad.

The Current State of Ohio State’s Defense

Ohio State’s defense has long been one of the program’s defining strengths. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently recruited some of the best defensive talent in the country, and the defensive unit has often been a staple of their success. However, recent performances have shown cracks in their once-imposing defense.

In 2024, Ohio State’s defense ranked in the middle of the pack in several critical categories, including total defense and scoring defense. While not necessarily disastrous, these numbers are far from the elite standards that Ohio State fans and analysts have come to expect. Against high-powered offenses, particularly those with potent passing attacks, the Buckeyes’ defense has been exposed, leaving some to question the effectiveness of the unit as a whole.

Several key defensive players have moved on, either through graduation or the NFL draft, which has left Ohio State with a relatively inexperienced defense. This has been compounded by injuries to crucial players, further highlighting the need for a defensive rebuild ahead of the Texas game.

Key Departures and the Loss of Veteran Leadership

One of the primary reasons Ohio State’s defense is undergoing a significant rebuild is the loss of several key players who were once the backbone of the defense. Players like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and cornerback Denzel Burke were all integral parts of the Buckeyes’ defense. Tuimoloau, in particular, was a game-changer with his ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield.

These departures have created significant gaps in leadership and experience, particularly in the defensive front seven and secondary. With Tuimoloau gone, Ohio State will need to find a new player to step up as a premier pass rusher, and with Eichenberg’s departure, the linebacker corps lacks the same level of stability and leadership that was once present.

To fill these gaps, Ohio State has turned to a mixture of young talent and experienced transfers, but this new-look defense is still finding its footing. The absence of a dominant, disruptive presence on the defensive line has been a noticeable weakness, and the linebacking corps lacks the level of cohesion and intelligence that Eichenberg provided. These growing pains are evident as the Buckeyes struggle to establish themselves defensively in 2024.

The Defensive Line: Searching for a Pass Rush

One of the most glaring issues with Ohio State’s defense this season has been its inability to consistently pressure the quarterback. The defensive line, once the hallmark of the Buckeye defense, has struggled to replicate the dominance it once showcased. With Tuimoloau and other pass rushers gone, Ohio State has found itself unable to disrupt opposing quarterbacks at the same rate.

The team has a few promising young players, such as defensive ends Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, but neither has yet proven to be a consistent force on the edge. The defensive tackles, including Tyleik Williams, have also failed to generate much pressure up the middle, leaving the Buckeyes’ defense vulnerable against pass-heavy offenses.

Against a high-powered team like Texas, who boasts a dynamic quarterback and talented receiving corps, Ohio State cannot afford to lack pressure. The Longhorns will exploit any opportunity given, so the Buckeyes need to reestablish their ability to disrupt the pocket and make life difficult for the quarterback. Without a solid pass rush, Ohio State risks leaving its secondary exposed.

The Linebackers: Filling the Void Left by Eichenberg

With Tommy Eichenberg’s departure, Ohio State faces a significant challenge in rebuilding its linebacker corps. Eichenberg was the heart and soul of the Buckeye defense, a player who could read offenses, make critical tackles, and act as a leader on the field. His leadership and experience are now sorely missed.

In his place, Ohio State has turned to a combination of young players like C.J. Hicks and transfers like Lejond Cavazos. Hicks, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he is still a work in progress and lacks the experience Eichenberg had. As the linebackers struggle to find their rhythm, the Buckeyes have become more susceptible to opposing running backs finding success in the open field, as well as quarterbacks exploiting soft spots in zone coverage.

This area of the defense is particularly concerning as Ohio State prepares for its showdown with Texas. Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has proven to be adept at reading defenses and finding weaknesses, and a lack of veteran linebackers could leave Ohio State exposed in key situations. The Buckeyes must find a way to reestablish their defensive discipline in the middle of the field to keep Texas’ offense from breaking through.

The Secondary: Inconsistent Coverage and Missed Opportunities

While Ohio State’s secondary has featured talented players like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, the unit as a whole has been inconsistent in 2024. The loss of veteran presence in the defensive backfield has led to missed assignments, blown coverages, and an inability to create turnovers. In key moments, Ohio State has allowed big plays in the passing game, putting extra pressure on their already struggling defensive line and linebackers.

Against Texas, Ohio State’s secondary will be tested by one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the nation. The Longhorns’ receiving corps, featuring players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, can stretch the field and make big plays down the sideline. Ohio State’s cornerbacks will need to step up and limit the damage while the safeties must maintain proper coverage to prevent big plays.

The biggest challenge for Ohio State’s defensive backs will be their ability to adapt quickly and play with discipline. Against a team like Texas, any mental lapse can lead to a long touchdown, and the Buckeyes can’t afford to let the game get out of hand early due to defensive breakdowns.

The Role of Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, has his work cut out for him as he works to rebuild the defense in the wake of several departures. Known for his aggressive style of playcalling and his ability to make adjustments on the fly, Knowles has had to change his approach in 2024 due to the inexperience and turnover in key positions.

While Knowles has made some adjustments to his schemes, he is still working to find the right mix of talent and strategy to create a cohesive defensive unit. The Texas game will be a true test of Knowles’ ability to adapt, as he’ll need to get creative with his blitz packages, coverage schemes, and overall defensive alignment to keep the Longhorns from running roughshod over Ohio State’s defense.

For Ohio State to have a chance against Texas, Knowles must put together a game plan that maximizes the strengths of his defensive players while minimizing their weaknesses. He will need to show that he can adjust to the dynamic, fast-paced nature of Texas’ offense, as the game will likely be decided in the trenches and on big defensive plays.

Rebuilding for the Future: Is Ohio State Ready for Texas?

As Ohio State looks to rebuild its defense, the team must focus on creating a stable foundation for the future. While the Buckeyes’ defense may not be fully ready to dominate in 2024, the program’s rich recruiting pipeline means that Ohio State will continue to attract top-tier defensive talent in the coming years.

However, for the Texas game, the Buckeyes cannot afford to wait for future reinforcements. The team must rely on the veterans they have left, lean on their young playmakers, and make adjustments in real-time to put themselves in a position to succeed.

The defense’s performance against Texas will serve as a litmus test for Ohio State’s potential this season. A strong, focused defensive effort could go a long way in helping the Buckeyes bounce back from their struggles and reassert themselves as one of the top teams in college football. However, if they are unable to contain the Longhorns’ high-powered offense, it could mark a pivotal moment in their defensive rebuild, signaling that more time is needed for the Buckeyes to return to championship form.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of a defensive rebuild as they prepare for their critical matchup against Texas. With key departures, a lack of experience in crucial positions, and the need for improved consistency, Ohio State’s defense faces significant hurdles. However, with strong leadership from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a commitment to making adjustments, the Buckeyes can still pose a threat.

Whether or not Ohio State’s defense can hold up against the Texas Longhorns will depend on how well the Buckeyes can adjust to the challenges of 2024 and find ways to make impactful plays when they are needed most. The road ahead for Ohio State is tough, but with the right defensive adjustments and the continued development of young talent, the Buckeyes can rebuild their defense into a force once again.