Ohio State Defense Evaluations After Spring Practice

Buckeyes look to reload on defense after key losses from 2025 season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:25pm

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Ohio State's coaching staff provided updates on the status of the Buckeyes' defense following the first week of spring practice. The team is looking to replace several key starters from last season's unit, including All-American linebacker Evan Pryor and standout cornerback Jaylon Jones.

Why it matters

Ohio State's defense has been a strength of the program in recent years, but the Buckeyes will need to quickly identify new playmakers to maintain their status as one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten. How the team fares in spring practice will be an early indicator of how the defense may perform in the 2026 season.

The details

The Buckeyes are looking to replace Pryor and Jones, as well as several other starters, on a defense that finished in the top 20 nationally in several key categories last season. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said the team is evaluating players at every position, with some young talents emerging to potentially fill key roles.

  • Ohio State opened spring practice on March 7, 2026.
  • The Buckeyes will hold their annual Spring Game on April 12, 2026.

The players

Evan Pryor

An All-American linebacker who was a key leader of Ohio State's defense in 2025 before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Jaylon Jones

A standout cornerback who was a multi-year starter for the Buckeyes before exhausting his eligibility.

Jim Knowles

Ohio State's defensive coordinator, who is overseeing the unit's transition after several key departures.

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What they’re saying

“We've got some young guys stepping up who are really impressing us so far. The competition has been great, and that's going to make us better as a defense.”

— Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

Ohio State will continue spring practice over the next month, culminating in the annual Spring Game on April 12, 2026, which will provide the first public glimpse of the team's revamped defense.

The takeaway

Ohio State's defense faces significant turnover, but the early signs from spring practice indicate the Buckeyes have some promising young talent ready to step into larger roles. How quickly that talent develops will be crucial to the team's defensive success in 2026.