Buckeyes look to Jermaine Matthews Jr. to be next great OSU DB

Buckeyes Look to Jermaine Matthews Jr. to Be the Next Great OSU DB

The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has a long and proud history of producing elite talent at nearly every position on the field. From legendary quarterbacks and running backs to dominant offensive linemen and fierce defensive ends, Ohio State has consistently remained at the forefront of college football. However, it is in the defensive backfield where Ohio State has seen some of its most impressive and game-changing athletes. Players like Malcolm Jenkins, Shaun Wade, and Denzel Ward have solidified the Buckeyes as a program that not only produces exceptional athletes but also creates cornerstones of NFL defenses.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes in Columbus, Ohio, are on a rising star in the Buckeyes secondary—Jermaine Matthews Jr. The talented cornerback has been hailed as the next big thing in Ohio State’s defensive backfield, and his potential to become one of the program’s best defensive players is immense. With the Buckeyes losing key contributors in the secondary after last season, Matthews is poised to step into a prominent role and carry the legacy of Ohio State’s defensive backs forward into the next era.

A Rising Star: Jermaine Matthews Jr.’s Journey to Ohio State

Jermaine Matthews Jr.’s path to Ohio State was paved with hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Matthews was a highly coveted recruit during his high school career. He attended La Salle High School, where he made a name for himself not only as a shutdown cornerback but also as a dynamic playmaker in all aspects of the game. Matthews was recognized for his athleticism, quickness, and ability to lock down opposing receivers with ease.

As a senior at La Salle, Matthews finished the season with impressive statistics, including multiple interceptions and pass breakups, which earned him a spot as one of the top defensive backs in the state. His skills caught the attention of scouts across the country, with many projecting him to be an impact player at the collegiate level.

Despite numerous offers from other major programs, Matthews’ ties to Ohio State were strong, and it didn’t take long for him to commit to the Buckeyes. The lure of playing for one of the most storied programs in college football, in his home state, and under head coach Ryan Day, was too good to pass up. Matthews enrolled at Ohio State in 2023, bringing high expectations with him.

The Defensive Backfield at Ohio State: A Legacy of Excellence

For Ohio State, the defensive backfield has been one of the program’s cornerstones, producing some of the most talented players to ever grace the college football field. In recent years, Ohio State’s cornerbacks have garnered attention both for their ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers and for their overall playmaking ability.

Over the past decade, names like Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, Jeff Okudah, and Shaun Wade have become synonymous with Ohio State’s defense. These players helped elevate the Buckeyes to national prominence, each playing a crucial role in Ohio State’s defense while also carving out successful careers in the NFL. With that level of talent comes a heavy expectation for the next wave of defensive backs at Ohio State.

In 2024, Ohio State’s defense was hit with significant changes, including the departure of several key players from the secondary. Cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jahsen Wint, along with safety Lathan Ransom, made huge impacts on the defense before moving on to professional opportunities. Their departures opened the door for new players to step in and take the reins in the defensive backfield. Matthews, who had been showing flashes of brilliance throughout his early career, quickly emerged as a top candidate to fill that void and become one of the Buckeyes’ primary defensive backs.

Matthews’ Skills and Attributes: What Sets Him Apart

While Matthews is still early in his college career, he has already exhibited many of the traits that have made Ohio State’s defensive backs so revered. His combination of speed, agility, ball skills, and football IQ sets him apart from many of his peers.

1. Elite Athleticism and Speed

One of Matthews’ standout traits is his raw athleticism. Standing at 6 feet, 180 pounds, he possesses the perfect blend of size and speed to match up against a variety of wide receivers, from big-bodied targets to lightning-fast burners. His ability to turn and run with receivers is impressive, and he has the agility to make quick adjustments on the fly, something essential for a cornerback in Ohio State’s high-pressure defense.

During his high school career, Matthews was known for his quick footwork, ability to jump passing lanes, and fluid movement in and out of cuts. These skills, combined with his elite speed, make him a nightmare for wide receivers trying to create separation. At the college level, Matthews’ ability to match up with talented wide receivers will be a key asset as the Buckeyes defense faces off against top-tier competition in the Big Ten and beyond.

2. Ball Skills and Playmaking Ability

One of the most exciting aspects of Matthews’ game is his ability to make plays on the ball. During his high school career, Matthews recorded a significant number of interceptions and forced turnovers, showcasing his ability to not only lock down receivers but also to disrupt passing plays. This playmaking ability is crucial in the secondary, where cornerbacks are tasked with breaking up passes and creating turnovers.

In Ohio State’s defensive system, the ability to generate turnovers is a key part of its success, and Matthews fits perfectly into this mold. His instinctual understanding of the game allows him to anticipate where the ball is going, often getting himself in position to make a critical play at the right time. Whether it’s high-pointing the ball to grab an interception or simply knocking the ball away at the last moment, Matthews’ ball skills have already earned him recognition as one of the most dynamic defensive backs on the roster.

3. Physicality and Tackling Ability

While Matthews is known for his coverage skills, he is also a physical player who isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game or in open-field tackling situations. In today’s college football landscape, cornerbacks must be able to defend the pass but also be strong tacklers, especially when facing rushing attacks or quick throws to the outside. Matthews’ willingness and ability to wrap up and make clean tackles in space will make him a well-rounded threat in Ohio State’s secondary.

His size and strength allow him to go toe-to-toe with physical wide receivers and make tackles in the open field. This physicality sets him apart from many other cornerbacks, who may rely more heavily on their speed and technique. Matthews brings a toughness to the position, which will prove valuable as he faces off against some of the top playmakers in college football.

Matthews’ Role in Ohio State’s Defense in 2025

With Ohio State’s defense undergoing changes, Matthews’ ability to step up and contribute immediately is critical. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who took over the defensive playcalling duties in 2022, runs a system that is aggressive and relies heavily on cornerbacks to lock down opposing receivers in one-on-one situations. In this system, cornerbacks are tasked not only with covering receivers but also with playing an integral role in stopping the run and providing support in zone coverage when necessary.

Matthews is expected to be a central figure in this scheme, as his ability to play both tight coverage and physical run support makes him a versatile option for Knowles. The Buckeyes will rely on Matthews to help shut down the passing game, particularly in critical moments when opposing offenses look to exploit gaps in coverage. His ability to step in and provide stability in the secondary will be paramount to Ohio State’s defensive success, especially after the loss of several key players.

As the season progresses, Matthews’ development will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ championship aspirations. With a loaded roster that includes standout talent in the front seven, Matthews and the rest of the secondary will be relied upon to make plays when it counts. His performances in key games, such as those against Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, will help shape the trajectory of Ohio State’s season.

NFL Future: Matthews as an NFL Prospect

Beyond his immediate contributions to Ohio State’s defense, Matthews’ potential for the NFL is a major part of his narrative. Given his size, athleticism, and ball skills, Matthews has the potential to be a first-round pick when his time in Columbus concludes. The NFL places a high premium on talented cornerbacks, especially those who can cover both large, physical receivers and fast, shifty playmakers.

Matthews has already caught the attention of scouts, who view him as a future NFL talent with the tools to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to develop and refine his game at Ohio State, it’s not out of the question that he could follow in the footsteps of former Buckeyes cornerbacks like Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore, who both went on to become top-five NFL draft picks.