There's been a lot of discussion surrounding the defense of Ohio State through non-conference play -- some good, some bad, and some ugly. In the eyes of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, this group is actually ahead of where it was at this time last year.
"I always look at the markers of where we build, grow and add concepts to the defense, and I would say we are a little bit ahead of last year from a full concept standpoint because we had some carryover from last year," Patricia said. "Last year it was a little bit slower-paced with that -- our guys handle it a little better. But right now it's about working through the personnel and the roles."
It's not often you lose multiple first-round draft picks and are further ahead than with them,
but it makes sense. Year one under Patricia took longer to establish the identity, scheme, and system. In year two, multiple players have returned who have that understanding.
The push for Patricia is working through rotations, increased depth, and personnel.
"Last year we had that one group that played a lot for us," Patricia said. "... This year we have more depth, so there are more bodies to put into those roles, so it's more by committee than it was last year at this point. The encouraging thing for us is we are able to play a lot of guys right now ... trying to learn what guys do well and put them in those roles as we go. Having that depth is really good for us early in the season."
Through three games, Ohio State is giving up 13.5 points per game -- compared to 5.3 points per game a season ago. One of the biggest areas for improvement has been pressure, with just three sacks on the season and 13 tackles for loss.
The big wake-up call was against Texas in the second week of the season, a lesson that showed where and how the Buckeyes' defense needed adjusting.
"We've certainly been in some tough competition here early in the season, which is great because we need it ... finding out how guys handle those moments is key for us now, getting into Big Ten play ... still trying to learn what guys do well and find those roles and putting them in those roles as we go."
Patricia said that with so many players on and off the field, constant communication has been one of the challenges early in the year. But he's happy it's improving, and it's an area of the defense that will only continue to get better.
"I think going into the season you have those teams that you know are going to be a journey and you're going to learn and grow as the season goes, and sometimes those are some of the better ones you wind up with. You have to get into that pressure and the fire to have those moments where you learn, execute, and get better."
The next moment for the Buckeyes is this weekend, when they open Big Ten play as Illinois comes to town.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State's Matt Patricia has interesting take on the 2026 defense
