A year after setting dubious school records including most points and yards allowed in a single-season, Ohio State's defense returns much of its core, including linebacker Malik Harrison as the unit looks to reestablish itself as one of the nation's best.
Amid a defensive roster loaded with four and five-star talent – giving up over 403 yards and 25.7 points per game – including 49 points at Purdue and 51 at Maryland, it was a three-star product in Harrison that led the squad in tackles.
Harrison's path to Ohio State might sound familiar as he became a Buckeye only after then-assistant coach Luke Fickell repeatedly urged Urban Meyer to offer the Walnut Ridge product a scholarship despite being just the 58th-ranked athlete prospect in the 2016 class.