Ohio State’s cornerback room is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating position groups to watch heading into the 2026 season. It’s a blend of proven starters, intriguing transfers, and high-upside young talent - a mix that gives the Buckeyes both stability and developmental promise on the back end. But like any position group, it comes with its own set of questions, particularly when it comes to depth.
Let’s start with what we know. On the outside, Ohio State has two clear-cut starters in Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Matthews Jr., and together, they form a duo that could quietly anchor the entire secondary if things go according to plan.
Devin Sanchez: The Ceiling Play
Sanchez is the kind of cornerback you build around - long, fluid, and confident in press coverage. He was thrown into the fire as a true freshman last year, and while he had his share of growing pains, the physical traits were never in question.
He showed flashes - the kind that make you pause and think, *"If he puts it all together..." *
Now with a full offseason under his belt, the expectation is that those flashes become more consistent. He’s got the tools to be a lockdown corner in the Big Ten, and if his technique catches up to his athleticism, he could be a real difference-maker.
Jermaine Matthews Jr.: The Steady Hand
On the other side, Matthews brings the kind of reliability that coaches love. He’s experienced, disciplined, and battle-tested.
While Sanchez might be the high-ceiling projection, Matthews is the guy you trust to handle the opponent’s top target and not blink. He’s particularly strong in off-man and zone coverages, where his awareness and ball skills shine.
That kind of consistency allows the Buckeyes to be a little more aggressive elsewhere on the field. Knowing you’ve got a corner who won’t lose leverage or miss an assignment gives defensive coordinator Matt Patricia the freedom to dial up pressure or roll coverages creatively.
Together, Sanchez and Matthews offer a balanced tandem - one with upside, the other with stability - and that’s a luxury not every program has.
The Nickel Factor: Earl Little Jr.
Then there’s Earl Little Jr., the Florida State transfer who’s expected to man the nickel spot. Don’t let the “safety” label fool you - Little fits the modern nickel mold perfectly. He’s physical, instinctive, and quick enough to handle twitchy slot receivers or athletic tight ends in space.
Little’s versatility is a key part of what Patricia wants to do on defense. His ability to play multiple roles opens the door for exotic coverages and disguised blitzes.
He’s not just a plug-in piece - he’s a chess piece. And in today’s game, where offenses love to attack the middle of the field with layered route concepts, having a savvy nickel like Little is invaluable.
Depth and Development: Calhoun, Kelly, Timmons
Beyond the top trio, Ohio State has a group of rotational players who could end up being more than just depth.
Cameron Calhoun, the Alabama transfer, brings Power Five experience and a competitive edge. He’s got the athleticism to play outside or in sub-packages, and while he’s still getting comfortable in the Buckeyes’ scheme, his time in the SEC gives him a leg up.
Dominick Kelly, a sophomore transfer from Georgia, is another intriguing piece. He didn’t play a ton as a freshman, but he saw the field in a loaded Bulldogs secondary - and that says something. He’s long, technically sound, and has the kind of developmental upside that fits well in Ohio State’s system.
And then there’s Jay Timmons, the true freshman who’s already turning heads. He’s got the length, burst, and instincts to compete for snaps right away.
Even if he starts in a situational role, he’s the kind of player who could earn more responsibility as the season progresses. A strong spring and fall camp could fast-track his involvement.
The Depth Question
Now, here’s where things get a little murky. If everyone stays healthy, this group has the makings of a strong, versatile unit. But if injuries hit - especially to Sanchez or Matthews - the Buckeyes will be leaning heavily on players who haven’t logged significant snaps in high-pressure situations.
Guys like Miles Lockhart, Jordyn Woods, and Jordan Thomas bring athletic upside, but they’re still unproven. That’s not a knock - it’s just the reality of college football. The learning curve at cornerback is steep, and experience matters, especially when you’re facing Big Ten receivers who know how to exploit a mistake.
Building for Now and Later
What Ohio State seems to have done well is build a layered structure at cornerback. They’re not asking their young players to do too much too soon. Veterans are handling the heavy lifting, while the next wave of talent gets reps in controlled situations.
It’s a smart approach - one that allows for growth without sacrificing performance. If everything clicks, this could be one of the more underrated units on the defense. A group that doesn’t make headlines every week but quietly does its job, bends when it has to, and rarely breaks.
But if the injury bug bites, the Buckeyes will be tested. The backups have promise, but promise doesn’t always translate right away. That’s the balancing act - and it’s one that could define how far this Ohio State defense can go in 2026.
For now, though, the cornerback room looks like a well-constructed blend of present production and future potential. And in a conference where defensive back play can make or break your season, that’s not a bad place to be.