Key Takeaways from Buckeye Talk – Cornerbacks Preview (Spring 2025)
1. Tim Walton’s Role and Progress
Tim Walton has been building this cornerback room for three years.
Walton is now co-defensive coordinator (under Matt Patricia), overseeing the whole secondary.
2025 is the year where his evaluations and recruiting will be fully tested.
2. Departures and Who’s Back
Gone: Denzel Burke (NFL), Jordan Hancock (Transfer), Calvin Simpson-Hunt (Transfer)
Returning: Davison Igbinosun (only returning starter), Jermaine Matthews, Aaron Scott.
3. Talent vs. Experience
It’s a talented room but lacks proven experience.
Igbinosun is the most seasoned, though his 2024 performance was inconsistent.
Matthews and Scott are the top projected corners, with Lorenzo Styles and Miles Lockhart competing at nickel.
Bryce West is flexible, could play outside or nickel.
4. Devin Sanchez – The Wildcard
5-star freshman, top CB in the 2025 class, already enrolled.
Gained about 20 pounds since arriving, adding size to his already impressive frame.
Coaches want to see if he can compete for real playing time right away.
If Sanchez starts in Week 1, it could be seen as a positive (he’s that good), not a red flag.
5. Leadership Void
With Burke gone, who leads the room?
Candidates:
Davison Igbinosun (veteran by default)
Jermaine Matthews (respected, and draft-eligible after this year)
6. Overall Outlook
High upside, but a lot of “unproven” guys who need to show they can handle big roles.
Devin Sanchez and Aaron Scott’s physical development (adding weight, muscle) will be closely watched.
Staff is excited but cautious, as cornerback play is critical to Ohio State’s defensive success in 2025.
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Bottom Line:
This is a high-ceiling, low-floor group. If the talent develops quickly (especially Sanchez and Scott), this could be one of the best units in years. But if growing pains hit, there’s not much experienced depth to lean on.