Matt Patricia joins the Ohio State Buckeyes as a DC in the quarterback fight.

The world of college football is ever-changing, with programs constantly looking to evolve in the face of increasing competition, shifting recruiting trends, and a rapidly transforming sport. The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most storied programs in the country, are no exception to this rule. As they prepare for the 2025 season, a new chapter is unfolding for the Buckeyes, and it comes with major shifts on both sides of the ball.

Perhaps one of the most striking changes for Ohio State is the arrival of Matt Patricia as their new Defensive Coordinator. Patricia, the former New England Patriots defensive guru, is entering the Big Ten with a wealth of NFL experience, bringing a level of expertise and discipline that is expected to elevate Ohio State’s defense to new heights. But what makes this development even more interesting is that Patricia’s arrival coincides with the quarterback battle that is brewing in Columbus. Ohio State is coming off an up-and-down season, and the quarterback position remains a point of uncertainty. The combination of a newly revamped defense under Patricia’s leadership and an unresolved quarterback competition creates a dynamic tension that could define the Buckeyes’ 2025 season.

This article explores the multifaceted impact of Matt Patricia’s arrival as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, how this move affects the team’s overall structure, and how the quarterback battle will play into Ohio State’s aspirations in the 2025 season.

1. Matt Patricia’s NFL Background and Why Ohio State Took a Risk

Ohio State’s decision to hire Matt Patricia is one that will raise eyebrows, primarily because Patricia comes from a very specific defensive philosophy shaped by his time in the NFL, notably with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick. Patricia, who served as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator for several seasons before becoming the head coach of the Detroit Lions, is known for his complex defensive schemes, adaptability, and a focus on fundamentals that often flummoxes opposing offenses.

One of Patricia’s greatest strengths is his ability to make in-game adjustments. He’s known for tailoring his defensive schemes to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents, often using a mixture of zone coverage, man-to-man, and various exotic blitz packages that keep quarterbacks on edge. His defensive philosophy is rooted in discipline—his units are expected to be well-coached, gap-sound, and relentless in pursuit. At the NFL level, Patricia’s defenses were regularly ranked among the best, thanks to his ability to blend complexity with simplicity, allowing players to perform at their highest level without overcomplicating the game.

For Ohio State, bringing in a defensive mind like Patricia makes sense for several reasons. First and foremost, the Buckeyes have long been known for their powerful offense, but their defense, while often talented, has had moments of inconsistency. Ohio State needs a defensive identity that matches its offensive firepower, and Patricia has the pedigree to build a unit that can not only stop Big Ten offenses but compete at the highest level of college football.

Moreover, Patricia’s NFL experience means he is no stranger to coaching under pressure, managing egos, and adjusting to changing offensive schemes week after week. In a conference like the Big Ten, which is known for its grind-it-out, physically demanding style of play, Patricia’s defensive game plans will provide the Buckeyes with the flexibility and toughness needed to win tough games. His NFL approach could be the perfect antidote to some of Ohio State’s previous shortcomings on defense, offering a more structured and systematic framework for stopping opposing offenses.

2. Defensive Scheme Under Patricia: A New Era of Buckeye Defense

Patricia’s appointment as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is not just about the name recognition he brings from the NFL. It’s about his innovative approach to defense. Ohio State has long had a reputation for producing elite defensive linemen and linebackers, and Patricia’s defensive philosophy is built on using these strengths to wreak havoc.

Patricia’s defenses are known for their multiple looks. This means that Ohio State will likely run several variations of fronts and coverages throughout a game, keeping opposing quarterbacks guessing. The 4-3 base defense, which Ohio State has typically used, will still be prevalent, but Patricia is known to mix in 3-4 fronts, often sending blitzes from unexpected angles, to create pressure on the quarterback. The idea is to overwhelm the offensive line with unique pass-rushing concepts, creating opportunities for linebackers and defensive backs to make plays.

Incorporating a system that emphasizes zone coverage in the secondary will also be a hallmark of Patricia’s defense. Ohio State has typically played aggressive man-to-man coverage, but with Patricia at the helm, the Buckeyes are expected to see more zone schemes, particularly on passing downs. This will allow Ohio State to better protect against quick-hitting passing games and help cornerbacks play with more anticipation rather than simply chasing receivers.

Additionally, Patricia’s defenses are known for their linebacker play, often placing emphasis on the ability to cover ground, make open-field tackles, and be versatile in both pass coverage and against the run. This will be critical for Ohio State’s defensive unit, as their linebacking corps has often been one of the weaker spots on the roster in recent seasons. Under Patricia, expect the Buckeyes to place a greater emphasis on fundamentals—staying gap-sound, tackling well in space, and getting pressure on the quarterback with smart, calculated blitzing. Ohio State’s defense will be more disciplined, more unpredictable, and much harder to score against, providing a nice balance to the explosive offense.

3. The Quarterback Battle and Its Implications for the 2025 Season

The quarterback position at Ohio State is always a topic of great debate, given the program’s long history of elite signal-callers. Heading into 2025, the Buckeyes find themselves in an interesting situation, with a quarterback battle that could define their season. With Kyle McCord, the returning starter from 2024, competing with fresh faces such as J.J. McCarthy—a top-tier recruit and potential future star—the position is wide open for competition.

On one hand, McCord offers experience and stability. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but consistency has been his challenge. McCord’s ability to read defenses and manage the game will be crucial in determining whether he holds onto the starting job. However, his performances have often been marked by streaks of inconsistency, especially in big games. If McCord can harness his talent and improve his decision-making under pressure, he could solidify himself as the leader of this offense.

On the other hand, J.J. McCarthy, a freshman with immense upside, brings a different dynamic to the offense. McCarthy’s dual-threat ability—combining an arm capable of making every throw with the mobility to extend plays—could give Ohio State a more dynamic, unpredictable offensive approach. His potential to stretch the field and make big plays with both his arm and legs presents a level of excitement that McCord lacks, but McCarthy will have to prove that he can handle the physical and mental demands of the position at the collegiate level.

This quarterback battle will likely play out during the spring and fall camps, and it will be one of the most scrutinized aspects of Ohio State’s 2025 campaign. The winner of the competition will not only need to perform well during regular-season play but also in key games against rivals such as Michigan, Penn State, and in potential College Football Playoff matchups. The development of Ohio State’s quarterback will play a massive role in the team’s championship aspirations.

For Patricia’s defense, the uncertainty at quarterback presents both an advantage and a challenge. On one hand, a stable, veteran quarterback like McCord would help provide consistency to the offense, giving the defense less to worry about in terms of offensive chemistry. On the other hand, an explosive freshman quarterback like McCarthy could put the defense in challenging situations—particularly if the offense has growing pains or struggles with consistency early in the season. Patricia will need to help the defensive unit adapt to the rhythm of the offense, understanding that the team’s success might rely on the defense stepping up in key moments.

4. Balancing Offense and Defense in 2025

The biggest question heading into 2025 is how Ohio State will balance its offensive prowess with its new defensive identity under Patricia. The Buckeyes have long been known for their high-octane, pass-heavy offense, but that dynamic could change with the potential for a younger, less-experienced quarterback in the fold. This could place more pressure on the defense to make stops and keep games close, particularly in the early parts of the season. Ohio State’s offense, regardless of who wins the quarterback battle, will need to find its rhythm as the team adjusts to new personnel and leadership.

The potential shift in Ohio State’s offensive philosophy could benefit Patricia’s defense, as the Buckeyes might lean more heavily on the run game and a ball-control offense to take some of the pressure off the quarterback. Ohio State’s defense, which will undoubtedly improve under Patricia’s leadership, might be asked to play a more prominent role in keeping games within reach, especially as the team builds chemistry with a new quarterback.

If the defense can perform at a high level, Ohio State will be in good shape. Patricia’s experience at the NFL level should help him keep the defense focused and disciplined, even in high-pressure situations. This balance between offense and defense could ultimately determine whether Ohio State is able to mount a serious challenge for the national title in 2025.

5. Looking Ahead: The Big Ten and Beyond

Ohio State enters the 2025 season with championship aspirations, but the path is far from easy. The Big Ten remains one of the most

competitive conferences in college football, with teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin all pushing for relevance at the national level. The quarterback battle, combined with the arrival of Matt Patricia, will be a defining factor in how the Buckeyes fare this season. With Patricia steering the defense, Ohio State’s defense will be stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

If the Buckeyes can find consistency at quarterback and the defense can continue its upward trajectory, Ohio State will be primed to return to the College Football Playoff and compete for another national championship. With Matt Patricia joining the fold, the Buckeyes have made a statement: the new chapter of Ohio State football is here, and it is one that should be watched closely.