Undefeated and Unrelenting: Ohio State’s Defense Powers Buckeyes into Big Ten Title Clash
Ohio State walked into Ann Arbor last weekend with a four-game losing streak against Michigan weighing on its shoulders-and walked out with a statement win and an undefeated regular season. Now, the Buckeyes sit atop the college football rankings heading into Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game, where they’ll face second-ranked Indiana with a College Football Playoff No. 1 seed on the line.
While the Buckeyes’ offense has had its moments, it’s the defense that’s been the heartbeat of this team all season long. Statistically, they’ve been the best unit in the country, and it’s not just numbers-they’ve passed every eye test too. Whether it was shutting down explosive plays, creating turnovers, or dominating the line of scrimmage, this defense has made life miserable for opponents and has been the foundation of Ohio State’s title push.
That dominance was recognized in a big way this week when the Big Ten announced its defensive and special teams honors. Sixteen Buckeyes earned all-conference recognition, including four who were unanimous first-team selections. Each of them has played a pivotal role in building what’s arguably the most complete defense in college football this year.
Let’s break down the standouts:
Caleb Downs - The Centerpiece in the Secondary
Downs has been a revelation in the back end of the defense.
Named both the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year, he’s been more than just a stat sheet filler. With 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two picks, and two pass breakups, Downs has done a bit of everything.
His instincts and range have made him a nightmare for quarterbacks and a safety net for the Buckeyes’ aggressive front seven.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. - Leading the Charge
Styles has been the defense’s leading tackler, racking up 68 stops over 12 games.
He’s added five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception to his resume. The senior’s sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to diagnose plays have been crucial in keeping opponents in check, especially in the run game.
C.J. Reese - A Breakout Force at Linebacker
Reese, in his first year as a starter, has made the most of his opportunity. Named the Big Ten’s Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, he’s posted 61 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a pair of pass breakups.
He’s been a disruptive force, frequently living in opposing backfields and setting the tone with his physicality.
Tyleik McDonald - Dominating from the Inside
McDonald’s work in the trenches earned him the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award.
Tied with Downs at 52 tackles, McDonald has added eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. His ability to collapse the pocket and plug running lanes has been a game-changer, anchoring the interior with consistency and power.
Jack Curry - Edge Menace
Curry, a senior in his first season as a starter, has been a nightmare for offensive tackles.
He leads the team with 13.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks, and he’s added two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. His explosiveness off the edge and relentless motor have made him one of the most impactful pass rushers in the conference.
Davison Igbinosun - Lockdown Corner
In his third year as a starter, Igbinosun has taken a leap.
He’s recorded 39 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception, but perhaps most impressively, he’s cleaned up the penalty issues that plagued him last season-going from 16 flags to just five. That discipline, combined with his coverage skills, has made him one of the most reliable corners in the Big Ten.
Beyond the first-teamers, the Buckeyes' depth and talent were on full display in the rest of the All-Big Ten selections:
- Second-Team Honors: Curry and Igbinosun were also named to the second team by the coaches, while long snapper John Ferlmann earned second-team recognition from the media.
- Third-Team Recognition: Cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (coaches) and safety Jaylen McClain (media) joined Ferlmann on the third team.
- Honorable Mentions: Styles Jr., defensive tackle Tywone Malone Jr., and return man Brandon Inniss received consensus honorable mention nods. McClain, defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and kicker Jayden Fielding were recognized by the coaches, while Mathews, defensive tackle Eddrick Houston, and linebacker Payton Pierce were named by the media.
What’s Next
The Buckeyes now turn their attention to Indianapolis, where they’ll face Indiana with everything on the line. The winner not only takes home the Big Ten crown but also secures the top seed in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State has already proven it can win in hostile environments and rise to the moment. And if this defense continues to play at the level it has all season, the Buckeyes might not just be Big Ten champions-they could be on their way to something even bigger.