Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck astutely pointed out that Washington's 6 points against Ohio State was actually more than the Buckeyes per game average.

Many thought there was no way that the Ohio State Buckeyes' defense in 2025 was going to be better than there defense in 2024. Ohio State was replacing seven starters from that team, including all four of their defensive lineman and the "Block O."

Through four weeks in 2025, this version of the defense has looked far superior to last year's group almost immediately. They are a fast, athletic, and physical bunch, making it nearly impossible for opposing offenses to move the football on the highly-touted unit. And they have the stats to back it up.

Through four games they are surrendering just 5.5 points per game. They gave up seven points to Texas, while also allowing zero points to Grambling. The trend continued in the program's last two games, as the defense allowed nine points to Ohio and while limiting an incredible Washington offense to six points in week five. The two touchdowns that they have given up in over a month of football have come on two very long touchdown passes.

This defense will go as far as their linebackers take them. Sonny Styles is undoubtably the leader of the Buckeyes' defense, as he wears the "Block O" and is the veteran presence that Ohio State needs on that defense.

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In addition to Styles, he plays alongside an up-and-coming linebacker, Arvell Reese. Reese has taken over the conversation surrounding this defensive group by showing that he has the tools to be an absolute star in College Football and in the NFL in the future.

Behind those two is another coach on the field in star safety Caleb Downs. The star defender is now in his second full year with the Ohio State team after spending his freshman year in Alabama playing for the Crimson Tide. Downs has every attribute that you could want in a leader, and he is also the most athletic guy on that field. 

Up front, the Buckeyes have rolled out a "committee" approach to the defensive line in 2025. Historically, the Ohio State defensive line is one of the best position groups on the entire team. Last year, that was certainly the case with Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton all led the way to get the Buckeyes to the championship. Now, all of the fresh new faces are tasked with filling in their shoes and they are doing it better.

In order to play the Ohio State's aggressive style, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia needed  cornerbacks who can excel in man-to-man scenarios. Luckily for the Buckeyes, the defensive backs are led by Davison Igbinosun, who might be the most improved player on the Ohio State roster through the start of this year. His major critique coming into the year was penalties, but so far in 2025, he has cleaned up all of his holding penalties and continues to lead the young defensive backs in the secondary.

Ohio State has been impossible to score on this season, but they will be tested significantly over the next few weeks as the program heads into Big Ten Conference play. While they will continue to be heavy favorites for the rest of the year, the level of competition will only increase for the historical defense. 

Opponents will remember the day they had to play the Buckeyes, especially if they are held to less than a touchdown.