Ryan Day knows what’s coming! This defense isn’t just improved — it’s a whole new beast

As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes are naturally focused on the offense, where Ryan Day’s high-powered, quarterback-driven schemes have made the Buckeyes one of the most formidable offenses in college football. But while the spotlight has often gravitated toward the offensive side of the ball, a quiet storm has been brewing on defense — a transformation that has the potential to redefine Ohio State’s football identity.

In 2025, Ryan Day is poised to lead a team that isn’t just banking on offensive firepower. After years of near-misses in critical games, particularly in the college football playoff and Big Ten Championship games, Day knows the key to taking this program to the next level isn’t just more points — it’s a defense that can dominate, shut down opposing offenses, and allow Ohio State’s offense to thrive without the pressure of keeping up in shootouts. This defense isn’t just improved — it’s a whole new beast.

In past seasons, the Ohio State defense was often seen as a liability. While the offense could rack up points and make games exciting, there were too many instances where the defense couldn’t get the necessary stops when it mattered most. A few blown coverages, missed tackles, and a lack of consistency plagued the Buckeyes in high-stakes matchups against elite teams.

However, Ryan Day and his coaching staff made it clear that the defense would not be the Achilles’ heel anymore. After several disappointing performances and an urgent need for change, Day turned to his defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to spearhead the rebuild.

Jim Knowles was brought in before the 2022 season with the task of instilling a more aggressive and disciplined defensive scheme. The transition wasn’t instantaneous, but over time, Knowles’ philosophy began to take root. In 2023, there were signs of the defense’s potential — a defense that was quicker, more disciplined, and more physical. The 2024 season saw the defense make significant strides, finishing among the top units in the nation in several categories, particularly in rushing defense, pass rush efficiency, and total yards allowed.

However, for Ryan Day, that was just the beginning. The defense showed glimpses of greatness but still lacked that true “beast” mode. There were games where the defense held strong but also moments where the consistency still wasn’t quite there. Day knew they needed to push the envelope further, and that’s exactly what the 2025 defense is expected to do.

If there’s one thing that stands out about the 2025 Ohio State defense, it’s the aggressive, attacking mentality that Knowles and Day have been working tirelessly to develop. The defense will no longer be content to simply sit back and react to what the offense does; they’re coming after quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers with relentless pressure and blitz packages designed to confuse, rattle, and overwhelm.

But the key to this new defense isn’t just about raw speed or aggression. It’s the ability to adapt to various situations and attack offenses in different ways, a philosophy Knowles has been working hard to integrate. This defense isn’t one-dimensional, and that versatility is what will make it a true beast.

“We’ve built the defense around the idea of constant pressure,” Day said during a press conference. “We’ve got a group of athletes who can move in different ways and play in different spots. We want to make it so opposing offenses can’t get comfortable. If they can’t predict what’s coming next, we’ve already won half the battle.”

One of the hallmarks of this defense is its ability to move players around and create mismatches. Whether it’s a linebacker coming on a blitz from a different angle, a cornerback playing press-man coverage and shading inside to take away the quick slant, or a defensive end dropping into coverage to disrupt passing lanes, Ohio State’s defense will have a chess-like approach to how it sets up its attack.

The physicality of the front seven — consisting of powerful defensive linemen and aggressive linebackers — will be a major factor. The Buckeyes have developed one of the best defensive line units in college football, and they are equipped with both power and speed. Up front, players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are poised to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. Both are highly touted edge rushers with the strength to bull rush offensive linemen, as well as the agility to get around them with finesse.

In addition to the defensive line, the linebacking core is arguably one of the most athletic and versatile in the nation. The ability to blitz, cover running backs in the passing game, or drop into zone coverage makes these linebackers dangerous, and they will be key in Ohio State’s new defense-first mentality.

While the front seven will get much of the attention due to their physicality and athleticism, the secondary will be a crucial element in Ohio State’s defensive resurgence. The defensive backs are built to be playmakers, capable of shutting down big plays and forcing turnovers. Ohio State has an extremely talented group of cornerbacks and safeties, and their ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, break on the ball, and disrupt passing lanes will be the key to the defense’s success.

At cornerback, players like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock bring a mix of size, speed, and technical skill. They are more than capable of covering the top receivers in the Big Ten and beyond, but their ability to play physical, smart football in off-man and zone coverages will set them apart.

The safety position will also be one to watch in 2025. Lathan Ransom and Ronnie Hickman bring versatility, intelligence, and big-play potential. Whether they’re serving as the last line of defense in deep coverage or coming up to play against the run, both safeties are capable of making game-changing plays.

Under Knowles’ system, the defensive backs will not be passive bystanders. They’ll be active participants, regularly involved in blitz packages, zone coverage rotations, and even disguising coverages. The ability of the defensive backs to read the quarterback’s eyes and react to plays before they develop will make it difficult for quarterbacks to make quick decisions. The resulting chaos in the passing game is what Ryan Day envisions as the key to taking this defense to the next level.

Several players on the Ohio State defense will be key to the success of this new approach. J.T. Tuimoloau is already regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, and his potential for a breakout year is undeniable. His combination of power, speed, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Tuimoloau’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the pocket will be pivotal in Ohio State’s defensive plans.

Jack Sawyer, another edge rusher, has shown flashes of brilliance but is poised for a monster 2025 season. With more consistency and refinement in his pass rush technique, Sawyer could become one of the most dominant defensive players in the country. Along with Tuimoloau, they give Ohio State one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in college football.

At linebacker, Steel Chambers will be critical to Ohio State’s defense. Chambers has emerged as one of the team’s most athletic and aggressive defenders. His ability to cover ground quickly, make plays at the line of scrimmage, and be a constant presence in the backfield will be essential to neutralizing opposing offenses.

On the back end, Denzel Burke has the potential to be a game-changer. His combination of speed, physicality, and intelligence makes him one of the best cornerbacks in the country. With more consistency in coverage and the ability to take away the top receivers, Burke could be the key to shutting down high-powered passing attacks.

Finally, Lathan Ransom at safety has proven his value time and time again, and he will be asked to do even more in 2025. His ability to read the quarterback and react quickly will be crucial for Ohio State’s success, as he will be called upon to make big plays in the passing game while also coming up in run support when necessary.

For Ryan Day, this new defensive identity represents a major shift in philosophy. While his offense has always been a strength, Day understands that college football championships are won with balance — and to win a national title, you need a defense that can close out games. Ohio State’s new defense isn’t just about being good; it’s about being dominant, creating turnovers, stifling opponents in the red zone, and being a source of pride for the university.

“Defense wins championships,” Day remarked during a press conference. “We’ve built this team to be complete. We can score points, but we’re going to win games because we can stop people when it matters most. This defense is going to be special.”

As Ohio State heads into the 2025 season, Ryan Day is confident that the defense has evolved into a force to be reckoned with. This isn’t just a defense that is slightly better than last year; it’s a completely new beast. With a combination of speed, athleticism, aggression, and versatility, Ohio State’s defense has the potential to carry the team to new heights.

Ryan Day knows that the Buckeyes are no longer just relying on offense to win games. This defense can close out games, force turnovers, and allow the offense to play with less pressure. With players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, and Lathan Ransom leading the charge, the 2025 Ohio State defense is ready to dominate in a

way the program hasn’t seen in years.

For fans, the expectation is clear: Ohio State is poised to be a true national contender — not just because of its offense, but because of a defense that will strike fear into the hearts of opposing teams. Ryan Day’s new vision is about to come to life, and it’s more than just exciting — it’s unstoppable.