Despite Recent De-Commitment, Ohio State’s Cornerback Room Remains Deep, Talented, and Well-Positioned for the Future
The Ohio State Buckeyes recently suffered a setback on the recruiting trail when a highly touted cornerback decommitted from their 2025 class. For many programs, losing a blue-chip defensive back would signal trouble — raising alarms about depth, future talent pipelines, or program momentum. But in Columbus, the situation is far from dire. In fact, Ohio State is still in excellent shape at the cornerback position, both in terms of current roster strength and future recruiting opportunities.
At first glance, the de-commitment appears to be a blow. The former commit was widely regarded as a top-150 national prospect and had been part of a promising early haul of defensive backs for the Buckeyes. His departure naturally drew headlines and sparked concern among portions of the fanbase, particularly because the timing came during a stretch when Ohio State had otherwise been riding high in recruiting circles. But within the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, there’s no panic. There’s no scramble. And there’s certainly no fear that Ohio State will suddenly be thin at cornerback.
That’s because the Buckeyes have done the hard work already. The foundation at the cornerback position has been meticulously built over the last three recruiting cycles, anchored by a mixture of elite prospects, strategic development, and strong depth management. From returning starters and breakout candidates to rising stars on the recruiting trail, Ohio State has an abundance of talent at one of the most critical positions in modern college football.
Start with the current roster. In 2024, the Buckeyes fielded one of the best defensive backfields in the nation, and much of that talent remains intact for 2025. Denzel Burke, though draft-eligible, may choose to return for one final campaign depending on his NFL feedback, while sophomore sensation Jermaine Mathews Jr. emerged as a future All-American candidate with his ball skills, physicality, and instincts. Mathews is expected to take on an even larger role moving forward, and many around the program believe he has first-round NFL potential.
Beyond the projected starters, the Buckeyes have a mix of experienced depth and ascending young talent. Jyaire Brown, Ryan Turner, and true freshman Aaron Scott Jr. all offer flexibility and upside. Scott, in particular, was one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class — an in-state product with elite traits and a fierce competitive mentality. Coaches have already praised his maturity and work ethic, making it clear that he will be in the rotation soon, if not immediately.
Then there’s the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class, which — despite the recent de-commitment — still boasts a strong defensive backfield core. Bryce West, a top-100 corner from Cleveland’s Glenville High School, remains solid in his pledge. West is a plug-and-play defender who brings physicality, closing speed, and high-level instincts. He’s joined by Devin Sanchez, the elite Texas prospect and one of the top cornerbacks in the entire country. Sanchez is already considered one of the most college-ready DBs in the class and has the frame, length, and polish to contribute from day one.
Simply put, the Buckeyes aren’t hurting for elite talent. Even with one cornerback choosing to reopen his recruitment, Ohio State’s overall trajectory at the position is as strong as ever.
That’s largely due to the work of Tim Walton, Ohio State’s cornerbacks coach and one of the most effective recruiters on staff. Walton has built a reputation not just for identifying talent early, but for developing players quickly once they arrive on campus. Under his watch, players like Burke, Mathews, and Cameron Brown have elevated their games, often outperforming their recruiting rankings.
Walton’s NFL background — he spent several years coaching secondaries at the pro level — resonates with prospects and parents alike. His message is clear: Come to Ohio State, and you’ll be prepared for Sundays. It’s a message that continues to land with recruits and, crucially, helps the Buckeyes stay competitive even when they lose a player late in the cycle.
And that’s the other part of the story — recruiting never stops. Ohio State is already working behind the scenes to fill the void left by the de-commitment. There are several remaining 2025 cornerbacks still on the board, and with the Buckeyes’ prestige, any available top defensive back immediately becomes a viable target. Add in the transfer portal as a safety valve, and it becomes clear that losing one commit — while not ideal — is far from a recruiting disaster.
It’s also important to remember that recruiting is fluid. De-commitments happen for many reasons, from personal fit and location to NIL factors and coaching changes. In today’s college football landscape, top programs like Ohio State are constantly adapting. One lost commit may lead to another opportunity — or even open the door for a flip from another top program.
And Ohio State is still one of the premier destinations for defensive backs. The program’s recent lineage speaks for itself. From Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and Jeff Okudah to Damon Arnette and Shaun Wade, the Buckeyes have consistently produced elite cornerbacks who succeed at the next level. That reputation carries weight in recruiting rooms and living rooms alike.
Even looking ahead to the 2026 cycle, the Buckeyes are in excellent position with several top cornerback prospects. Early offers have gone out to a handful of five-stars across the country, and Ohio State is expected to be a major player for several of them. The staff is working hard to establish long-term relationships and lock in visits early in the process. If history is any guide, they’ll close strong.
In short, while losing a talented cornerback recruit is never ideal, Ohio State is uniquely equipped to handle it. The depth is there. The development is proven. The recruiting pipeline remains robust. And the standards of excellence in Columbus haven’t changed.
If anything, this minor recruiting hiccup serves as a reminder of how high the expectations are at Ohio State. When fans worry about one de-commitment at a position already stacked with future NFL players, it’s a testament to the standard of excellence the program has built.
So no, Ohio State is not in trouble at cornerback. The Buckeyes remain one of the deepest and most talented secondaries in the nation. And with a full season ahead to develop talent and a new recruiting window opening, don’t be surprised if the CB room looks even stronger by the time signing day rolls around.
In the end, the program’s foundation — both on the field and in recruiting — remains unshakable. A single flip won’t change that. The Buckeyes are just fine.
