The Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the best starting secondary units in all of college football heading into the 2024 regular season. Not only are there plenty of talented cornerbacks on the roster, but Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom are also expected to shine as starting safeties.
Although Ransom missed some time last season due to injury and Downs is a new player for the Buckeyes after transferring from Alabama, great confidence should be placed in both players.
In a full season in 2022, Ransom recorded 65 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. In his stellar freshman season with the Crimson Tide, Downs was named a 2023 Freshman All-American after recording over 100 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, five passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
As for what the Buckeyes currently have behind the two starters in the rankings, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has expressed some concerns about depth. Although he has identified sophomore Malik Hartford and freshman Jaylen McClain as the two who will emerge as primary backups, there is still more work to be done.
“They have two guys who are unproven and still learning,” Knowles said. “And every day in practice is a learning experience and a challenge, especially when they’re going up against our best receivers. Our safety depth has to improve.”
The competition against Ohio State’s wide receivers will not only challenge the depth of the Buckeyes’ secondary, but will also likely test the starting secondary of all opposing teams.
Despite his inexperience, Hartford saw some action last season and had 10 total tackles. He was expected to be the No. 3 safety this year, but McClain’s quick jump is interesting. McClain was a three-star prospect for the 2024 class and was ranked as the No. 48 safety by 247 Sports.
Hopefully, for Ohio State’s sake, both players can put on a strong performance in their next scrimmage on Saturday and finish fall camp on a high note, which will likely bring even more joy to Knowles, the rest of the coaching staff and the fans.
