COLUMBUS, Ohio — This year’s rendition of Ohio State football preseason camp has featured an intriguing dynamic.
The Buckeyes have hosted three open practices, capped by Saturday’s session, which included players in pads. During each gathering, every rep, snap and drill has featured an assessment of the quarterback competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.
The completions are viewed as good play by the quarterbacks. The incompletions are critiqued.
What’s sometimes forgotten, though, is the unit on the other end. Ohio State’s defense is also going though preseason camp, and coach Matt Patricia’s unit has shown promise.
Here’s what we learned about the Buckeyes’ defense Saturday.
Eddrick Houston is rehabbing while defensive tackles are emerging
Defensive tackle Eddrick Houston has been in uniform for Ohio State after suffering a right leg injury during Thursday’s practice.
However, while wearing a brace on his right knee, Houston hasn’t been participating in practice.
His injury provided a reminder of how quickly OSU needed to develop its defensive tackle depth, and Saturday showed promising signs.
Tywone Malone was a standout from the practice, both in one-on-one drills and 11-on-11 work. He played alongside Kayden McDonald during first-team reps.
Malone is entering his third season with the Buckeyes after transferring from Ole Miss in June 2023.
Ohio State has a freshman catching eyes
J.T. Tuimoloau is now in the NFL, but his No. 44 is still gracing the back of a defensive end at Ohio State: Epi Sitanilei.
Sitanilei is a former four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, who is catching eyes during his first preseason camp with the Buckeyes.
Sitanilei forced a fumble in an 11-on-11 rep against freshman running back Anthony Rogers. Shortly after, Sitanilei generated pressure against freshman quarterback Tavien St. Clair.
Ohio State’s secondary could generate turnovers
While Ohio State lost of a majority of its starting 22 from the 2024 roster this offseason, the Buckeyes have a pair of starters back in the secondary with safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun.
Saturday showed they could anchor a turnover-heavy unit this year.
Igbinosun forced a fumble late in practice against receiver Carnell Tate. Freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez, while going through red zone work, intercepted a pass from St. Clair.
Ohio State intercepted 10 passes (tied-10th in the Big Ten) last season and forced 15 fumbles (tied-first). Defensive backs Lathan Ransom and Jordan Hancock, both of whom are now in the NFL, accounted for five of the forced fumbles.
C.J. Hicks’ play creates good preparation for Texas
Ohio State moved C.J. Hicks from linebacker to defensive end this offseason, and he looked the part of an edge rusher during Saturday’s practice.
While that’s promising for his development, Hicks’ play also serves as preparation for Ohio State’s Week 1 opponent.
Hicks had a speed rush that knocked left tackle Ethan Onianwa on his back Saturday. The play was reminiscent of Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons who is entering his second season with the Longhorns.
Simmons was described as a “speed rushing dynamo” in his On3 recruiting profile. With Onianwa slated to go against the All-American candidate on Aug. 30, facing Hicks could be beneficial.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
