Early returns on Ohio State’s Will linebacker competition are positive, even if a favorite hasn’t emerged yet in Jim Knowles’ eyes.
The Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator sees the race between 2022 five-star prospects C.J. Hicks and Sonny Styles as a dead heat with both men commanding playing time. Ohio State’s base 4-2-5 defense only has room for one of them to play alongside Mike linebacker Cody Simon, but their talents and concerns about the team's nickel depth behind Jordan Hancock have Knowles thinking about more 4-3 looks in 2024.
“In 4-2 scheme I think they’re both neck-and-neck right now,” Knowles said.