Is it possible for Ohio State to use a former five-star recruit to start at cornerback in 2025?
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the premier football programs in the nation for the last several decades, with their rich history of excellence, particularly in the defensive backfield. Year after year, the Buckeyes are known for producing some of the best talent in college football, and the 2025 season looks no different. With the upcoming season bringing new challenges and opportunities, one question lingers: can Ohio State utilize a former five-star recruit to start at cornerback in 2025?
The cornerback position is one of the most crucial on the field in modern football, especially in a pass-heavy era where wide receivers and quarterbacks dominate. A strong cornerback can shut down the opposing team’s top pass-catching threat, create turnovers, and set the tone for the defense. For Ohio State, which has a long history of developing elite defensive talent, the cornerback position is of paramount importance in competing at the highest level of college football. In 2025, the Buckeyes may look to a former five-star recruit to fill that role. But is this a realistic expectation? Let’s dive deeper into the possibilities, challenges, and players who could potentially step up for Ohio State in 2025.
The Importance of Cornerback in Ohio State’s Defensive System
Before we explore whether a former five-star recruit could step in as the starting cornerback, it’s important to first understand the role cornerbacks play in Ohio State’s defensive system. Over the years, the Buckeyes have prided themselves on having a tough, aggressive, and physical defense, with cornerbacks tasked with locking down opposing wide receivers. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the defense has been evolving, with an increased focus on both stopping the pass and defending against the run.
Ohio State has had a few standout cornerbacks in recent years who have gone on to success in the NFL, including Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, and Jeff Okudah. These cornerbacks were instrumental in Ohio State’s success on defense, and the Buckeyes are aiming to continue that trend by developing top-tier talent at the position. For this reason, the pressure is on for Ohio State to find a suitable candidate at cornerback who can handle the demands of the role.
In 2025, the cornerback position will be especially important due to the potent offenses in the Big Ten, including teams like Michigan, Penn State, and others. To compete at the highest level, Ohio State needs cornerbacks who can cover elite wide receivers, play tight coverage, and make big plays in critical situations.
The Case for a Former Five-Star Recruit
Ohio State has long been a destination for top-tier recruits, and their defensive backfield is no exception. Over the years, the Buckeyes have been able to bring in elite players, including multiple five-star recruits who have gone on to become first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
In 2025, Ohio State could potentially rely on a former five-star recruit to step up and take over a starting role at cornerback. The advantages of having a five-star recruit in the starting lineup are clear. These players are typically high school standouts who have elite athleticism, speed, and instincts—traits that are crucial for cornerbacks, who must be able to stay in step with fast and skilled wide receivers. The expectation with five-star recruits is that they come in ready to contribute immediately, and their talent should enable them to make an impact in a starting role.
Additionally, five-star recruits often have an edge in terms of experience in high-level competition. Many of them have played against top-tier opponents in high school, facing off against other top recruits in elite camps, showcases, and national games. As a result, they are often better prepared to handle the speed and intensity of college football compared to other players.
At Ohio State, a team that regularly recruits among the best in the country, a five-star recruit in the cornerback room would be seen as a potential game-changer. Whether it’s in pass coverage or creating turnovers, having a five-star cornerback on the field would give Ohio State a potential advantage in their defensive scheme.
The Candidates for the Role of Starting Cornerback
Several candidates could fill the role of starting cornerback for Ohio State in 2025, with some likely to be former five-star recruits. Here are a few possibilities:
- Denzel Burke – A former five-star recruit from the 2021 class, Denzel Burke already has significant experience in Ohio State’s secondary. Burke made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting in several games and earning recognition for his ability to match up against top receivers. If Burke can continue to develop and improve in 2025, he could be the ideal candidate to lock down a starting cornerback role. His size, athleticism, and ball skills make him a strong contender, and he’ll be a key player to watch in the coming season.
- Jyaire Brown – Another potential candidate for a starting role at cornerback is Jyaire Brown, who was a five-star recruit in the 2023 class. Brown comes to Ohio State with high expectations and has the physical tools to make an immediate impact. If Brown has developed well in the offseason and impressed the coaching staff, he could be in line to start in 2025. His speed and ability to read the quarterback make him a solid choice to cover opposing wide receivers in the Big Ten.
- Jordan Hancock – Jordan Hancock, who was a five-star recruit in the 2022 class, also has the potential to step into a starting role at cornerback in 2025. Hancock is a physical player with the speed and agility necessary to match up against top-tier wide receivers. If he’s able to gain more playing time and refine his technique, Hancock could find himself as a key contributor in Ohio State’s secondary next season.
- J.T. Tuimoloau – Although Tuimoloau is primarily known for his play on the defensive line, his versatility and athleticism make him a candidate to occasionally drop back into pass coverage or take on a more significant role in Ohio State’s defensive schemes. While he’s not a traditional cornerback, the coaching staff may opt to utilize his skills in certain defensive packages, particularly in blitz-heavy schemes that require coverage ability.
The Challenges of Starting a Former Five-Star Cornerback
While the idea of starting a former five-star recruit at cornerback is enticing, there are challenges involved. One of the biggest hurdles is the transition to college football. Even five-star recruits can struggle with the jump in competition from high school to college, especially at a position as demanding as cornerback. College football is fast-paced, and the level of talent on the field is unlike anything a player may have faced before.
For a former five-star recruit to start at cornerback in 2025, they will need to prove themselves in practice and earn the trust of the coaching staff. The cornerback position requires a unique blend of skills, including quick reaction time, an understanding of offensive schemes, and an ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. A five-star recruit might possess raw athleticism, but they must also develop the mental acumen to thrive in a high-pressure situation.
Another challenge for the Buckeyes is the depth of talent at the cornerback position. Even with a potential five-star recruit in the mix, Ohio State has a strong pool of defensive backs vying for playing time. The competition for the starting cornerback spot could be fierce, and the Buckeyes will need to sort through their options to find the best fit for their defensive scheme.
