According to Tyleik Williams, Ohio State’s defensive linemen are held “almost every play” but will “keep our foot on the gas” as the Buckeyes

In the fast-paced world of college football, where every play and every inch on the field matters, Ohio State’s defensive line has long been a defining strength of the program. Known for producing some of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country, the Buckeyes’ front seven continues to be a unit that strikes fear into opposing offenses. However, for all their success, Ohio State’s defensive linemen, including standout star Tyleik Williams, face a challenge that many fans may not fully realize: they are held on “almost every play.”

Despite this constant struggle against what Williams and others describe as “nearly every play,” the defensive linemen of Ohio State remain steadfast in their approach. Rather than being deterred, they are determined to “keep our foot on the gas” and continue to play with intensity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. This attitude, shared by Williams and his teammates, reflects the mental toughness that has come to define Ohio State football under head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

The Challenge: Holding on Almost Every Play

Tyleik Williams, a standout defensive lineman for the Buckeyes, has never been one to shy away from the physical and mental challenges that come with playing at the highest level of college football. A native of Virginia Beach, Williams arrived at Ohio State as one of the top recruits in his class, known for his combination of size, strength, and agility. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 300 pounds, Williams is a physical presence on the field, capable of bull-rushing through offensive linemen, disrupting plays, and causing havoc in the backfield.

However, Williams, along with other members of the Buckeyes’ defensive line, faces a significant and frustrating challenge that is not often highlighted in game broadcasts: holding. According to Williams, offensive linemen routinely hold the defensive linemen during pass-rush situations, and this goes unnoticed or uncalled by officials “almost every play.”

“We understand that it’s part of the game,” Williams said. “We get held on almost every play. It’s just something we deal with. We know how physical the game is, and sometimes the refs miss it, but we can’t let that affect us. We have to keep pushing forward and make sure we’re doing our job no matter what.”

While holding calls are not uncommon in football, Williams’ comments shed light on just how frequent and consistent the issue is for defensive linemen. Offensive linemen are often taught to do whatever it takes to prevent pass-rushers from reaching the quarterback, including holding, grabbing, and pulling. In the heat of the moment, these infractions can be difficult for referees to spot, especially when they occur in the chaos of the trenches. For a player like Williams, who spends most of his time battling against offensive linemen, it can be a frustrating experience to know that he is being held back from reaching his full potential.

The Mentality: “Keep Our Foot on the Gas”

Despite the constant challenge of being held on almost every play, Williams and his fellow defensive linemen are not discouraged. Instead, they have adopted a mindset of resilience and determination, refusing to allow these frustrations to dictate their performance. The phrase “keep our foot on the gas” has become a rallying cry for the defensive line, a reminder that they must continue to push forward, stay aggressive, and never let up—no matter the obstacles in their way.

Williams explains this mindset further, saying, “We know that if we let up, if we don’t keep that pressure on, we’re not doing our job. The offensive line is going to get comfortable, and the quarterback will have more time to make plays. So, we have to be relentless. We can’t take plays off, even when things aren’t going our way.”

This mentality is something that Ohio State’s defensive line has embraced under the leadership of coach Jim Knowles, who was brought in to revamp the Buckeyes’ defense and make it more aggressive. Knowles is known for his high-energy coaching style, emphasizing relentless pursuit and attacking the quarterback. His defensive philosophy has been a perfect fit for Williams and the rest of the defensive front, who thrive on being disruptive and maintaining constant pressure.

In many ways, Williams’ ability to maintain his composure and intensity in the face of adversity speaks to his maturity as a player. While many players might become frustrated or discouraged by the constant holds, Williams uses them as fuel to push harder. His mental toughness, combined with his physical gifts, makes him one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in college football.

The Importance of Depth and Leadership on the Defensive Line

Another key element of Ohio State’s defensive line is the depth and leadership that has been built into the unit. Williams is not alone in his approach to dealing with the challenges of being held, and the Buckeyes’ defensive line features a number of talented players who share his mindset. From veteran leaders like Jerron Cage and Tyreke Smith to emerging stars like Jack Sawyer, the defensive line is loaded with talent and experience.

For Williams, this depth is critical. “Having guys around you who have the same mindset makes it easier to keep your foot on the gas,” he says. “We all hold each other accountable, and we push each other to be better. When one of us gets held, we know that we’re all in this together. We just have to keep attacking.”

The ability to rotate fresh players into the defensive line is one of the key advantages that Ohio State has over many teams. While other teams may tire in the trenches as the game progresses, the Buckeyes can continue to bring in fresh legs to maintain pressure on the quarterback. This depth allows Ohio State’s defensive line to stay aggressive and maintain its relentless pursuit of the opposing offense, no matter how often they are held.

The leadership on the defensive line also plays a major role in keeping the unit focused. Williams points to veteran players who have been instrumental in teaching the younger players how to deal with adversity, both in terms of holding penalties and the overall physicality of the game. This mentorship has created a culture of toughness and resilience, where every player understands that they must “keep their foot on the gas” for the entire duration of the game, even when the officials miss calls or when the game seems stacked against them.

The Importance of the Defensive Line in Ohio State’s Success

The defensive line is often the backbone of Ohio State’s defensive success. Over the years, the Buckeyes have produced some of the most dominant defensive players in college football, including names like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa. These players set a standard for excellence that Williams and his teammates strive to uphold.

As the 2025 season progresses, Williams and the defensive line will play a critical role in Ohio State’s pursuit of a national championship. While the offense, led by quarterback CJ Stroud and a talented group of wide receivers, is expected to put up big numbers, it is the defense that will ultimately determine how far the Buckeyes can go. The ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, stop the run, and create turnovers will be essential to Ohio State’s success, and the defensive line will be at the center of it all.

One of the key aspects of Ohio State’s defense is the ability to generate pressure without having to rely too heavily on blitzes. By having a dominant defensive line, the Buckeyes can disrupt the offense’s rhythm while keeping the secondary in coverage. Williams, along with his fellow defensive linemen, has the ability to create constant chaos for opposing quarterbacks, forcing them into mistakes or limiting their opportunities to make big plays.