Do the Buckeyes new safeties have what it takes to be a top trio in the entire country?
Ohio State's defensive secondary is going to look a little bit different in 2027. After the departures of Caleb Downs, the Buckeyes hit the transfer portal to backfill his spot and hope for great development from some of the younger guys below him.
The two guys that they went and got were Earl Little Jr. from Alabama and Florida State, and Terry Moore from Duke. These two additions are a great example of the modern era of college football. The Buckeyes went chasing veterans with experience as opposed to relying primarily on developing internally.
Little Jr. and Moore join a room that also includes Jaylen McClain, who is the lone incumbent.
McClain is one of the Buckeyes who has the most excitement around him heading into the 2027 season. He has been in the shadows the last two seasons behind Downs last year, Lathan Ransom, and Jordan Hancock the years before.
In 2026 when he saw limited action he made impactful plays.
McClain appeared in all 14 games, grabbed three interceptions, and registered 53 total tackles on the season.
Together, all three of them have the opportunity to be one of the best groups in the entire country. They are going to need to be for the Buckeyes to be successful next year with their very tough schedule.
Little Jr. is going to be the true lynchpin of the group. His role is going to be to fill in for what Downs was for them last year. He is the guy who is going to need to play near the line of scrimmage and be as much of a factor in the run game as he is in the pass game.
Moore and McClain are going to be on the backend of the Buckeyes defense, being that final line of defense. Those two are going to be more of the cover safeties that roam the deep parts of the field for Ohio State.
No matter how it all shakes out, this group is going to go a long way in determining how good the Buckeyes will be next year. We have been blessed the last couple of years with great safety play, and the result has been the best defense in the country.
Next year, this is the major question mark. If these players can make it so that it isn't a question, the Buckeyes will be in the conversation late in the year, competing for a national Championship.
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