The Oregon Ducks clinched the Big Ten Conference Championship on Saturday night and were named the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff on Sunday morning. This top seeding secures Oregon a first-round bye in the playoff, allowing them to rest and watch as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers compete for the opportunity to face the Ducks in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
While the Ducks have already faced Ohio State this season, it has been more than a decade since they played against the Volunteers. Notably, the Buckeyes’ roster and team dynamics have evolved since their Week 7 matchup in Eugene. With three weeks off before their next game, it’s an opportune time to analyze Oregon’s potential opponents, starting with an in-depth look at Ohio State’s defense.
Defensive Line
Ohio State’s defense is anchored by one of the strongest defensive lines in college football. The starting lineup features J.T. Tuimoloau (38 tackles, 12 TFLs, 6 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble), Jack Sawyer (46 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, 1 touchdown), Tyleik Williams (32 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks), and Ty Hamilton (40 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble).
Together, these four players account for 15.5 of the Buckeyes’ 35 sacks this season, the second-highest total in the Big Ten, trailing only the Ducks’ 40. Tuimoloau and Sawyer are the standout performers, while Williams and Hamilton provide solid support. The Buckeyes’ depth at this position is notable, with high-quality backups ready to step in.
Linebackers
The Buckeyes’ linebacker duo, Sonny Styles (76 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery) and Cody Simon (74 tackles, 9 TFLs, 5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble), are pivotal to the team’s defensive success. Both players have surpassed 70 tackles this season and play a crucial role in defending both the run and the pass.
This duo is a major factor in Ohio State’s exceptional run defense, which allows just 2.8 yards per carry — the second-best mark in the Big Ten behind Indiana (2.5). Styles and Simon are experienced leaders, with a deep understanding of the defensive scheme. Their presence ensures the Buckeyes remain disciplined and effective in all facets of the game.
Cornerbacks
The Buckeyes’ cornerback trio includes Denzel Burke (41 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups), Davison Igbinosun (30 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery), and Jordan Hancock (32 tackles, 2 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles).
This group has been instrumental in limiting opposing offenses, with Ohio State allowing just four passing touchdowns all season — the fewest in college football. For comparison, the next best team, Indiana, allowed 10 passing touchdowns. Despite their strong overall performance, Burke has struggled against Oregon, conceding both touchdowns attributed to him this season in their previous matchup and being beaten on a deep pass that didn’t result in a score.
Safeties
Caleb Downs (62 tackles, 7 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups) and Lathan Ransom (57 tackles, 6 TFLs, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles, 1 touchdown) form a dynamic safety duo. They rank among the team’s top tacklers, reflecting their significant contributions against the run.
In pass coverage, Downs and Ransom are equally impactful, working seamlessly with the cornerbacks to limit opposing quarterbacks. Their efforts have been instrumental in keeping the Buckeyes’ passing defense among the nation’s best.
Summary
Ohio State’s defense is one of the most formidable units in college football. From a disruptive defensive line to disciplined linebackers and a secondary that excels against both the run and the pass, the Buckeyes present a well-rounded and highly effective defensive challenge. For the Ducks, preparing for this unit will be critical, whether they face Ohio State again or meet Tennessee in the next stage of their playoff journey.