Surprise Player Named As Newcomer To Watch For Ohio State Buckeyes: A Deep Dive Into The Impact of Freshman DB Devin Sanchez

Ohio State football, one of the premier programs in college football, continually reloads with top-tier talent, boasting high-profile recruits and elite transfers each year. As we approach the 2025 season, a number of new faces are eager to make their mark. While much attention has been focused on quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive linemen, a surprise player who has emerged as a potential game-changer for the Buckeyes is freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Sanchez has been flying under the radar for many, but his standout performance during the early stages of spring practice and the subsequent buzz surrounding his potential have made him a player to watch closely.

The Background: Who Is Devin Sanchez?

Devin Sanchez is a 6’2″, 190-pound cornerback who was ranked as one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2025 class. A highly coveted five-star recruit out of North Shore High School in Houston, Sanchez is known for his combination of size, speed, and athleticism. His skills on the field earned him accolades throughout high school, including a spot in the prestigious All-American Bowl. His performance in that game only cemented his status as one of the top recruits in the country.

What sets Sanchez apart from other cornerbacks is not just his physical tools but his football IQ. He possesses the rare ability to read the game as it unfolds, recognizing plays before they develop, and using his athleticism to exploit weaknesses in the opposing offense. This combination of instincts and athleticism makes him a potentially elite player at the collegiate level.

Why the Surprise?

At first glance, it may seem like a cornerback—especially one who is a freshman—is not likely to stand out on a roster filled with experienced veterans and highly-ranked recruits. However, several factors make Sanchez a surprise player to watch for Ohio State.

1. The Depth of Ohio State’s Secondary

Ohio State’s secondary has been a position of strength in recent years, with the team consistently producing NFL-caliber talent at cornerback. Players like Denzel Burke, Shaun Wade, and Jeff Okudah have set high expectations for the program’s defensive backfield. This depth and the high standard set by past players might lead some to believe that Sanchez would face an uphill battle to get significant playing time.

However, Sanchez’s performance in spring practice has suggested otherwise. With several key defensive backs leaving for the NFL and others battling injuries or inconsistency, the door has been opened for younger players to make their mark. While many expected the veteran players to dominate the depth chart, Sanchez’s ability to make plays early in practice has put him firmly in contention for a starting role. His competitiveness, focus, and ability to quickly adapt to the collegiate game have set him apart from other freshmen, making him an immediate impact player.

2. Competing Against Top Talent

Sanchez’s competition for playing time in the secondary includes some talented upperclassmen, including returning starters like Denzel Burke and Jyaire Brown. However, his standout performances have caught the attention of head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, signaling that Sanchez is likely to earn a significant role. His ability to compete against top talent in practice and execute at a high level shows that he can handle the pressure and expectations that come with playing for Ohio State.

3. Elite Physical Tools for the Position

In addition to his natural ability, Sanchez’s physical attributes make him a rare commodity. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 190 pounds, Sanchez combines length with fluidity and speed, allowing him to excel in both man and zone coverage. His long arms make it difficult for wide receivers to get separation, while his agility and acceleration allow him to recover quickly when beat off the line of scrimmage.

What’s more, Sanchez has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his high school career. Not only did he excel in coverage, but he also showed an ability to make plays on the ball. His anticipation and ability to track the ball are already advanced for a player of his age. These tools will allow him to contribute early in his career and possibly become one of the premier cornerbacks in the nation.

4. A Strong Track Record of Development

Ohio State has a long history of developing cornerbacks into top-level talent, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. With coaches like Jim Knowles—who helped develop cornerbacks at Oklahoma State—and Ryan Day, who has a reputation for developing both quarterbacks and defensive players, Ohio State’s coaching staff is well-equipped to refine Sanchez’s raw talent and make him a key contributor in the defensive backfield. Given the coaching staff’s reputation, it is clear that Sanchez is in good hands.

In addition, Ohio State’s focus on developing young players has been evident in recent years. The program has been known to give freshmen opportunities to compete early, especially those who demonstrate the ability to handle the rigors of college football. With Sanchez’s talent and the coaching staff’s commitment to player development, he could emerge as one of the most important pieces in the defensive backfield for the Buckeyes.

What Can We Expect from Devin Sanchez?

Sanchez’s potential impact in the 2025 season is not limited to just his ability to contribute as a cornerback. His versatility could allow him to play multiple roles in the secondary, from covering the opposing team’s top wide receiver to contributing in blitz packages or in the red zone.

1. Immediate Contributions in the Secondary

As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, the secondary will be a key focus of the coaching staff. After the departure of several key players, there will be opportunities for younger players to earn significant playing time. Sanchez has the tools to make an immediate impact in coverage, and his ability to play both inside and outside gives the coaching staff flexibility. If Sanchez continues to develop at his current rate, he could be in line for a starting role by the start of the season.

2. Playmaking Ability

Sanchez’s ball skills are perhaps his most impressive asset. He has a natural ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate the play before it develops. This ability to break on the ball and make plays in the passing game is something that sets him apart from other players at his position. With his ability to generate turnovers, Sanchez could quickly become one of Ohio State’s top playmakers on defense.

3. Long-Term Potential

Looking beyond the 2025 season, Sanchez has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks in college football. His combination of size, speed, football IQ, and ball skills make him a candidate for future All-American honors and a potential early-round NFL Draft pick. His growth throughout his freshman season will be key to his development, and the coaching staff will likely continue to work on refining his technique and consistency.

Devin Sanchez may have initially flown under the radar, but his early performances at Ohio State have quickly turned heads. His physical attributes, football IQ, and ability to compete against some of the best talent in the country make him a surprise player to watch for the Buckeyes in the 2025 season. With the opportunity to earn playing time in the secondary and the potential to become a game-changing cornerback, Sanchez is poised to make a significant impact in his freshman season. As he continues to develop under the guidance of Ohio State’s coaching staff, he could become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense for years to come.