​As preseason camp kicks off this week, Land-Grant Holy Land is diving into its final weekly theme of the offseason. This edition centers on making bold predictions that may or may not prove reasonable, with some forecasts likely to be seen as daring. You can catch up on all Theme Week content here and read all of our Bold Predictions articles here.
Ohio State’s defense had an outstanding year under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in his first season on the coaching staff. The Buckeyes held their first five opponents to fewer than 10 points, and they did not allow more than 16 points in a game until their Cotton Bowl defeat to Miami on New Year’s Eve. In a season marked by defensive dominance, the Buckeyes still managed eight interceptions across 14 games. Jermaine Mathews Jr., Igbinosun, and Caleb Downs each tied for the team lead with two picks apiece.
Over the past few seasons, Ohio State has sometimes struggled to force turnovers when opponents attempt passes, totaling just 25 interceptions since 2023. A big reason for the relatively low number last year was the quality of the offenses they faced, with several programs not relying heavily on a prolific passing attack. Arch Manning’s debut for Texas in the season opener exposed some rough edges, and Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, and UCLA did not pose significant aerial threats. Michigan’s offense also appeared out of sorts with Bryce Underwood at quarterback.
If Ohio State could manage only eight interceptions last year and was set to lose a starting safety and a starting cornerback, one might assume they would face challenges in creating turnovers this season. Yet the outlook isn’t necessarily bleak. With increased playing time at a couple of spots and a wave of talented transfers added to the secondary this offseason, the Buckeyes could record their highest interception total since 2019, when they collected 15 picks.
The most compelling addition is Earl Little Jr., who intercepted four passes for Florida State last season. His highlight reel includes three consecutive interceptions in ACC play, making him the first Florida State player since 2016 to achieve that feat. Joining Little in the secondary from the ACC is former Duke safety Terry Moore, who has three career interceptions and was recognized as one of the conference’s top safeties before suffering a late 2024 knee injury that caused him to miss all of 2025. In addition to Little and Moore, Ohio State has added cornerbacks Cam Calhoun from Alabama and Dominick Kelly from Georgia. Calhoun and Kelly are expected to be significant upgrades in the secondary, bringing depth and versatility across the back end.
With added competition for playing time and a fresh influx of talent, the Buckeyes’ pass defense could see a transformative season. Little’s veteran instincts and ball skills, Moore’s experience and playmaking ability, and Calhoun’s and Kelly’s speed and coverage versatility collectively give Ohio State a better chance to create turnovers than last year. If their schemes click and the secondary chemistry develops rapidly, the defense could surpass last year’s interception total, potentially reaching into the teens and reversing a multi-year trend of below-average turnover production.
In summary, Ohio State’s defense remains a cornerstone of the program, and the offseason personnel moves have provided a strong infusion of playmakers and depth. The combination of new contributors, improved competition for starting roles, and the coaching staff’s adjustments could yield a season where the Buckeyes are more opportunistic at the point of attack, with more interceptions and game-changing plays emerging from the secondary.