Matt Patricia’s Impact on Ohio State’s Defense: Insight from the Cotton Bowl Prep
COLUMBUS, Ohio - In his first year running Ohio State’s defense, Matt Patricia has brought a steady hand, a wealth of NFL experience, and most importantly, results. As the Buckeyes gear up for their Cotton Bowl quarterfinal matchup on Dec. 31, Patricia met with the media to talk about the growth of his unit, the flexibility of his players, and how he’s leaning on his pro football background to guide Ohio State through this postseason stretch.
And make no mistake - this defense isn’t just good. It might be the best in the country.
Early Evaluations and Rising Stars
Two of the more intriguing pieces in Patricia’s scheme have been Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese - both young, athletic linebackers who’ve flashed versatility and poise beyond their years. Patricia said he started to get a feel for their skill sets early in the season, and it’s been a steady climb from there.
“I think both of them have really good coverage skills,” Patricia said. “They have a little bit of savvy suddenness to them.”
That phrase - “savvy suddenness” - says a lot about what Patricia values. It’s not just raw athleticism. It’s the ability to diagnose and react in real time, especially in coverage, where instincts often separate good from great.
Kayden McDonald: The “Grizzly Bear” in the Middle
Patricia also lit up when talking about defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, affectionately calling him “K-Mac” and comparing him to a grizzly bear.
“He’s a big guy, so if you don’t go in with a big bear hug, you’re gonna be in trouble,” Patricia joked. “I’m just super appreciative to be around all these guys.
K-Mac is no different. He’s a big grizzly bear.”
It’s clear Patricia has developed a strong bond with his players - a theme that came up repeatedly during his media session. He called this season “joyful,” not because of wins and stats, but because he’s watched his players grow and accomplish what they set out to do.
NFL Experience Meets College Football’s Long Layoff
One of the unique challenges of the college football postseason is the extended break between the end of the regular season and the playoff games. Patricia, who spent years in the NFL, knows how to manage downtime - but even he admitted that 21 days is a long stretch.
“We had bye week moments in the NFL, but this is a really long layover and break,” he said. Still, he praised the team’s focus and energy, noting that “the intensity has been right where it needs to be.”
He also acknowledged that Ohio State’s staff has been through this before - and done it well. “Last year, they did a pretty good job handling the CFP,” Patricia said with a grin. “So I’ll try and follow the lead of others in the building.”
Ryan Day’s Role and the Defensive Focus
With head coach Ryan Day taking over offensive play-calling duties again, Patricia emphasized that the defensive staff is locked in on their responsibilities.
“Coach Day does a great job coaching the team,” Patricia said. “He’s involved in all three aspects.”
That kind of synergy - where each unit trusts the other to handle its business - is part of what makes this Ohio State squad look so complete heading into the postseason.
Sideline Presence and In-Game Adjustments
Unlike some coordinators who prefer the bird’s-eye view from the press box, Patricia is a sideline guy through and through. That’s how he operated in the NFL, and that’s how he operates now.
He likes to be in the mix - talking to players face-to-face, making adjustments on the fly, and keeping the communication lines open.
“On gameday, my job is to make sure we’re problem-solving,” he said.
That hands-on approach has clearly resonated with the players and helped build trust across the unit.
Arvell Reese: More Than Just a Threat
When talking about Arvell Reese, Patricia didn’t hold back in praising the sophomore’s impact on the game - both when he’s rushing the passer and when he’s simply lined up as a threat.
“His impact has been great,” Patricia said. “His role, his flexibility, the way we’ve been able to use him has been super special.”
That versatility has forced opposing offenses to account for Reese on every snap. Even when he’s not blitzing, his presence alone can shift protection schemes and open up opportunities for others.
“You don’t ever want to not make sure your good players are doing things that they do well,” Patricia added with a smile.
Practice Intensity and Maintaining the Edge
With a long layoff before the Cotton Bowl, maintaining intensity has been a priority. Patricia said they’ve ramped up the competitive edge in practice without overextending the players physically.
It’s a delicate balance - keeping the team sharp without burning them out - and Patricia believes they’ve found the right rhythm.
A Joyful Ride, Built on Player Buy-In
When asked if the season has been more enjoyable than he expected, Patricia deflected the credit back to the players. Their buy-in, their effort, and their growth have made this experience special for him.
That’s been a consistent theme all year: Patricia’s NFL pedigree brings structure and knowledge, but it’s the players - their talent, their work ethic, their belief in the system - that have made this defense elite.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their biggest test yet, one thing is clear: Patricia’s presence has elevated this group. And if they keep playing the way they have, Ohio State’s defense might just carry them all the way.