Ohio State’s Defense Dominates Big Ten Awards as Buckeyes Sweep Major Honors
If there was any lingering doubt about which defense ruled the Big Ten this season, Ohio State just put it to rest - emphatically.
The Buckeyes cleaned house in the conference’s postseason defensive awards, taking home the top honors at every level of the field. Safety Caleb Downs was named both the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Back of the Year. Linebacker Arvell Reese earned Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, while defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was crowned Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
That’s a clean sweep - and a rare one. But if you’ve been watching this Ohio State defense all season, it makes perfect sense.
A Historic Season for the Silver Bullets
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes didn’t just play great defense - they played historic defense. They led the nation in both points allowed per game (7.8) and total yards allowed per game (204).
Even more impressive? They held every single one of their first 12 opponents under 17 points.
That hasn’t been done in 50 years.
This unit has been fast, physical, and fundamentally sound from Week 1 onward, and the postseason accolades reflect that dominance.
Caleb Downs: The Backbone of the Best Defense in the Nation
Let’s start with Caleb Downs. The Alabama transfer stepped into Ohio State’s secondary and immediately became the quarterback of the back end. He’s been a playmaker, a tone-setter, and a safety net all rolled into one.
Downs finished the regular season with 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and a pair of pass breakups. He’s been just as effective coming downhill in run support as he has been in coverage - and that versatility is exactly why he’s walking away with two of the Big Ten’s biggest individual honors.
Arvell Reese: From Breakout to Best in the Conference
Arvell Reese didn’t just earn the starting linebacker job - he owned it. In his first year as a starter, Reese racked up 61 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. He’s been the kind of sideline-to-sideline force that disrupts everything an offense wants to do.
Reese’s instincts and athleticism have made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike, and his emergence has been a huge reason why this Buckeye defense has been so tough to crack.
Kayden McDonald: A Nose Tackle Putting Up Linebacker Numbers
It’s not often a nose tackle ends the season with 52 tackles - but Kayden McDonald isn’t your average space-eater. He’s been a disruptive force in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defensive line, tallying eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
McDonald’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and collapse pockets from the interior has been a game-changer. He’s not just eating up blocks - he’s making plays, and that’s why he’s the Big Ten’s top defensive lineman.
Sonny Styles: The Steady Hand in the Middle
While Downs, Reese, and McDonald have grabbed headlines, Sonny Styles has been the glue that holds it all together. The versatile linebacker led the team with 68 tackles - and didn’t miss a single one all season.
That’s not a typo. Zero missed tackles.
Styles added five tackles for loss, a half-sack, an interception, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble to his stat line. He’s been the definition of consistency, and his first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media are well deserved.
More Buckeyes Earn All-Big Ten Recognition
Ohio State’s defensive dominance wasn’t limited to just three or four players. More than half of the starting unit earned All-Big Ten honors in some form.
- Caden Curry was a menace off the edge, finishing with nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He earned first-team honors from the media and second-team from the coaches.
- Davison Igbinosun locked down his side of the field at cornerback, allowing just 16 catches for 167 yards and no touchdowns on 40 targets. He also notched 39 tackles, eight pass breakups, and a game-sealing interception against Michigan.
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. was named third-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and received honorable mention from the media.
- Jaylen McClain, **Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
**, **Lorenzo Styles Jr. **, **Tywone Malone Jr.
**, Eddrick Houston, and Payton Pierce all received honorable mention nods for their contributions, showing just how deep and well-rounded this defense has been.
Special Teams Recognition
Even on special teams, Ohio State made its mark:
- Long snapper John Ferlmann earned second-team honors from the media and third-team from the coaches.
- Kicker Jayden Fielding and return man Brandon Inniss both received honorable mention recognition.
A Defensive Blueprint for Championship Contention
This isn’t just a great Ohio State defense - it’s one of the best we’ve seen in college football in recent memory. The numbers back it up, the eye test confirms it, and now the Big Ten awards seal the deal.
With the offensive awards still to come, the Buckeyes have already made a loud statement: If you’re going to beat Ohio State this season, you’d better bring more than just a good game plan. You’ll need a way to solve one of the most complete, disciplined, and dangerous defenses in the country.
Good luck with that.