For a defense looking to improve upon it's 2022 body of work, primarily by putting up some resistance against elite opponents and not just the also-rans, Ohio State plans to lean heavily on veterans in Year Two of the Jim Knowles Experience.
Fifth-year middle linebacker Tommy Eichenberg will anchor the ’safety-driven' defense while fifth-year weakside linebacker Steele Chambers slots alongside him as the top two tacklers from last season. Fourth-year linebacker Cody Simon is fighting for backup snaps at both spots.
Fourth-year safety Lathan Ransom is a lock to lead the back line at strong safety while fourth-year player and recent transfer Ja'Had Carter is getting first-team free safety reps in practice.