Ohio State’s 2025 defense could look significantly different than the No. 1-ranked defense that led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024.
That would have been the case even if Jim Knowles had stayed at Ohio State for a fourth season as the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator. Eight of the 11 starters from Ohio State’s 2024 defense were seniors who are now preparing to play in the NFL: defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams, linebacker Cody Simon, cornerback Denzel Burke, nickelback Jordan Hancock and safety Lathan Ransom.
Even before Knowles left Ohio State for Penn State, there was talk that the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme could be adjusted in 2025.