The Ohio State Buckeyes' defense has continued to dominate the college football landscape, thanks to the likes of newly-hired defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

After winning the National Championship last season, one of the biggest questions surround the Ohio State Buckeyes heading into this year was the defense unit.

The program's defensive efforts under former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was one of the best in the nation in 2024, but with Knowles and most of the starters departing from Columbus this offseason, head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes' coaching staff were tasked with finding a new leader for the defense.

This led to the hiring of Matt Patricia, who was a successful coordinator at the NFL level with legendary head coach Bill Belichick. And while many believed Ohio State would face a few bumps in the road on defense, Patricia and his squad have quickly exploded onto the season this season. 

Through three games this season, the Buckeyes' defense ranks second in points allowed per game (5.3) and 14th in yards allowed per game (227.7) amongst the entire FBS. In addition to the incredible job this season, Patricia's defense held the Texas Longhorns to seven points and 170 passing yards in week one.

However, when asked about the success this season, Patricia gave credit to his playmakers, telling reporters on Tuesday that the defense is doing an unbelievable job.

"We got some stuff in last week I would say that I was glad to get it in and get out there and practice," Patricia said on Tuesday. "But our guys [on defense] are doing an unbelievable job I think with the installations, the learning, the different pieces and putting it all together. I just can't give enough credit to the way that they've gone after this and studied, learned, practice and improved."

Patricia's help has been highlighted in the recent efforts from the program's newest starters on defense, including defensive linemen Kayden McDonald and linebacker Arvell Reese.

McDonald, in place of former linemen Tyliek Williams and Ty Hamilton, has tallied 14 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack this season. As for Reese, the talented playmaker has been the glue in the front seven this year, recording 20 tackles and two sacks in three games.

Now, the Buckeyes' defense will face their next big challenge in week five when Day and company travel west to take on the Washington Huskies. Patricia gave some insight into the team's preparation for matchup on Tuesday, claiming that the defense has a whole-new operation for the road game. 

"We have to go on the road now, we have a whole operation there that will be a little bit different from what we are used to communication-wise," Patricia state. "And then certainly, Washington, being in their home stadium and having that advantage for their offense, so that gives us different challenges. Teams get better every week, and Washington will be the next-best team we face and their offense."

Led by head coach Jedd Fisch, the Huskies' offense has excelled in one area that Patricia's defense has struggled with this season: the run game.

With quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and running back Jonah Coleman at the core of Washington's offense, the program ranks fourth amongst the FBS in averaging rushing yards per game this season (303.5). The dynamic one-two punch of Williams and Coleman will become a real test for the Buckeyes in week five, and will reveal how good this defense truly is this season.