After helping Ohio State win its second national championship under his watch, longtime defensive line coach Larry Johnson had every reason to retire on a high note. But rather than walk away, he’s returned to help guide a major rebuild — and potentially shape a new era for Buckeye defense.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day begins the next phase of his tenure following the 2024 national title, already securing his legacy as just the fifth coach in school history to lead the Buckeyes to a championship. Now, he faces a new question: Was that victory just the beginning of something greater, or a one-time triumph?
That question will begin to be answered early in the 2025 season, when Ohio State hosts Texas in a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl — a game that will also serve as a glimpse into what Day’s next chapter might look like. While a handful of contributors from last year’s title run remain, much of the roster has turned over — especially on defense, where the Buckeyes are undergoing a major transformation.
This season may not define Day’s legacy, but it will lay the groundwork for what’s to come. After previously breaking down the offense, we at Buckeye Talk now turn our focus to the defense — starting with the line, led by its most experienced coach.
Under Johnson, Ohio State’s defensive lines have long been cornerstones of its defensive success. From stars like Will Smith and Vernon Gholston to Joey and Nick Bosa and Chase Young, each era has featured standout linemen. In 2024, it was more about collective strength than individual stardom, with four future NFL Draft picks leading the charge. J.T. Tuimoloau posted 12.5 sacks — the fifth-most in school history — while Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, and Jack Sawyer each left a lasting mark.
That season could have been the perfect send-off for Johnson, who won a national title in his first year with the Buckeyes in 2014 and again during the inaugural 12-team playoff format. Yet instead of stepping away, Johnson chose to return, motivated by the challenge ahead.
Ohio State enters the 2025 season with significant turnover on the defensive line. No clear stars remain, only players who have spent years waiting for their chance. Defensive ends Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry have yet to play significant snaps, and now must prove whether they were simply stuck behind elite talent or weren’t ready to step up.
The Buckeyes also added North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson, hoping he can make an immediate impact. Meanwhile, linebacker C.J. Hicks — once a top-tier recruit — may finally have found a role that suits him, but as a senior, this is his last shot to make it count.
On the interior, there’s hope that younger players like Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald can replicate the success of Hamilton and Williams. But there are lingering concerns about depth. Despite recruiting highly rated players like Tywone Malone, Jason Moore, and Will Smith Jr., development hasn’t yet translated into dependable performance — and the Buckeyes failed to land help through the transfer portal.
Two priorities define the defensive line heading into fall camp: defensive ends must capitalize on long-awaited opportunities, and interior linemen must start fulfilling the potential they were recruited for.
The Buckeyes have traditionally relied on a four-man defensive front, a system that has powered elite units for decades. But with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia — formerly with the New England Patriots — change is on the horizon. Patricia brings a more flexible, multi-look philosophy that Ohio State couldn’t fully implement under Jim Knowles. Now, with the departure of four key starters, the opportunity to reshape the defense is here.
Only three starters return from the 2024 defense — none of whom play on the defensive line. For the first time in years, Johnson’s group won’t be the identity of the unit. But he’s embracing the moment, energized by the challenge of coaching a new group to championship form.