Drafting the best Ohio State football players on defense of the Ryan Day era: Buckeye Talk podcast

The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to producing elite football talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The program has consistently produced NFL-level talent, from linebacker to cornerback and beyond, and as the Ryan Day era enters its sixth season, the team’s defensive identity continues to be a key part of their success. Under Day, Ohio State has boasted some of the most impressive defensive prospects, who have gone on to impact the professional ranks while helping the Buckeyes remain competitive in the College Football Playoff picture.

The “Buckeye Talk” podcast recently took a deep dive into selecting the best defensive players of the Ryan Day era at Ohio State, evaluating the most outstanding athletes to play under Day’s leadership, from 2018 to the present. This draft-style podcast was a fun, engaging exercise, where they carefully weighed player achievements, leadership, and impact on the field to make selections.

In this article, we’ll break down the players chosen in this exercise, analyze the impact of each selection, and offer a closer look at the players who helped shape the defensive prowess of Ohio State during the Ryan Day era.

The Ryan Day Era: A Focus on Defense

Since taking over the Ohio State program in 2019, Ryan Day has become known for his offensive acumen, overseeing one of the most potent offenses in college football. However, Day’s tenure has also seen significant improvements on the defensive side of the ball, led by defensive coordinators like Jeff Hafley (2019-2020) and Kerry Coombs (2020-2021), and more recently, Jim Knowles (2022-present).

Ohio State’s defense, though often overshadowed by its offensive firepower, has had key players that have played pivotal roles in the team’s success. From the rise of breakout stars like Chase Young to standouts in the secondary like Jeff Okudah, the Buckeyes have maintained their reputation for producing future NFL stars on defense.

By focusing on defense in the “Buckeye Talk” podcast draft, they were able to highlight players whose performances under Ryan Day’s leadership helped establish Ohio State as a true contender in both the Big Ten and national championship races.

Drafting the Best of the Best: Ohio State’s Top Defensive Players

Let’s break down the selections made during the podcast draft and analyze why these players stood out in the Ryan Day era, shaping Ohio State’s defensive identity.

1. Chase Young – Defensive End (2017-2019)

It’s nearly impossible to discuss the best defensive players in Ohio State history without mentioning Chase Young. Young was selected first overall in this defense-heavy draft and for good reason. As one of the most dominant defensive ends to ever wear an Ohio State uniform, Young completely altered the game for opposing quarterbacks.

In 2019, Young won the prestigious Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and finished as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His stats were jaw-dropping—16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss during a single season. Young was a game-changer, known for his ability to wreak havoc on both the pass rush and run defense. He transformed Ohio State’s defensive line into one of the most feared units in the country, consistently generating pressure on quarterbacks, disrupting plays, and forcing turnovers. His sheer physicality and explosiveness off the edge made him an unstoppable force.

Young’s impact was felt not just in the statistics, but in his leadership and ability to inspire his teammates to elevate their level of play. His performance in the 2020 NFL Draft solidified his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Ohio State history.

2. Jeff Okudah – Cornerback (2017-2019)

Another top pick in the draft was Jeff Okudah, who played cornerback for Ohio State and earned recognition as one of the best cornerbacks in the country during his tenure with the Buckeyes. Okudah was the foundation of a secondary that became a strength for Ohio State under Ryan Day. He was selected third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, following an exceptional college career.

Okudah’s time at Ohio State was highlighted by his ability to shut down opposing wide receivers and excel in both man-to-man and zone coverage. His speed, athleticism, and ball skills made him a lockdown corner, and his high football IQ allowed him to read plays before they developed. Okudah’s leadership on the field was unmatched, and he was the go-to player for Ohio State when they needed a big stop in the passing game.

In 2019, Okudah had 3 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, and showed his ability to contain even the most explosive wide receivers in college football. His development as a player under Day’s coaching solidified his place as a cornerstone of the Ohio State defense during the Ryan Day era.

3. Malik Harrison – Linebacker (2016-2019)

While not always the flashiest name on the Ohio State defense, Malik Harrison was an incredibly important player for the Buckeyes. Harrison was a versatile linebacker who played with a unique combination of speed, strength, and football IQ. His ability to diagnose plays, drop into coverage, and make key tackles in the run game made him a true asset to the defense.

Harrison played a key role in Ohio State’s defense during their 2019 campaign, recording 75 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was consistently in the right place at the right time and often found himself making game-changing plays in crucial moments. Harrison was also known for his leadership on the field, setting an example for his younger teammates.

Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft, Harrison’s impact on Ohio State’s defense during the Ryan Day era cannot be understated. His ability to make plays in key situations helped keep opposing offenses in check and allowed the Buckeyes to maintain their status as a defensive powerhouse.

4. Denzel Burke – Cornerback (2021-Present)

Denzel Burke has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in college football during the Ryan Day era, making a big impact early in his Ohio State career. After bursting onto the scene as a freshman in 2021, Burke became the lockdown corner for the Buckeyes’ secondary, showcasing his ability to stifle the opposition’s top receivers.

In his freshman season, Burke recorded 3 interceptions, including one in the critical rivalry game against Michigan, and was widely praised for his ability to play physical and disciplined football. Burke’s size (6’0”) and speed made him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. As a sophomore, Burke continued to show his promise, demonstrating his ability to shut down high-level receiving corps in the Big Ten.

Burke’s potential has made him one of the top players to watch for the future, and his continued development under Ryan Day’s program has solidified him as one of the top defensive players of this era.

5. Tommy Eichenberg – Linebacker (2020-Present)

Tommy Eichenberg has emerged as a standout linebacker for Ohio State in the past few seasons, particularly during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Known for his relentless motor and high football IQ, Eichenberg is an old-school linebacker who excels at stopping the run, diagnosing plays, and filling gaps with precision.

Eichenberg was selected as the team’s leading tackler in the 2022 season, recording over 120 tackles, which helped him earn a spot on several All-Big Ten teams. His leadership and ability to impact the game in both run defense and pass coverage made him a key cog in Ohio State’s defensive machine. As the Buckeyes continue to build their defense under Day, Eichenberg’s experience and ability to make plays will be critical in their quest for a national championship.