Ohio State's Jaylen McClain Poised for Breakout Season at Safety

With star safety Caleb Downs headed to the NFL, McClain looks to step up as a leader and versatile playmaker in the Buckeyes' secondary.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an Ohio State football defensive play, with sharp, overlapping planes of scarlet and gray representing the energy and movement of the game.Ohio State's Jaylen McClain looks to lead the Buckeyes' secondary with a new, more vocal approach after the departure of star safety Caleb Downs.Columbus Today

Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain is set to take on a larger role in the Buckeyes' defense in 2026 following the departure of star safety Caleb Downs. McClain, who has played a variety of positions in the secondary over the past two seasons, is expected to be a key communicator and leader for the Ohio State defense as it looks to replace Downs' production and versatility.

Why it matters

Ohio State's secondary has been one of the team's strengths in recent years, anchored by Downs' All-American play. With Downs now headed to the NFL, the Buckeyes will need McClain to step up and help maintain the high level of play in the defensive backfield. McClain's ability to play multiple positions will be crucial as Ohio State's defensive coordinator looks to replace Downs' versatility.

The details

Over the past two seasons, McClain has played 173 snaps in the box, 442 snaps at free safety, and 70 snaps in the slot cornerback position. He often played in tandem with Downs, adjusting his role to complement Downs' versatility. Now, with Downs gone, McClain is expected to take on a larger leadership role and potentially see an expanded role in the defense, including more time in the box and in the slot.

  • In 2024, Lathan Ransom helped patrol the secondary with Jordan Hancock, alongside Downs.
  • In 2025, Lorenzo Styles Jr. stepped into the role Hancock departed, with Jaylen McClain filling the void left by Ransom.
  • Caleb Downs is now headed to the NFL, departing the roles he played with the Buckeyes.

The players

Jaylen McClain

A hard-hitting safety from New Jersey who is set to take on a larger leadership role in Ohio State's secondary in 2026 following the departure of star safety Caleb Downs.

Caleb Downs

The soon-to-be high NFL Draft selection who was arguably the best defensive player in the nation the last two seasons and played a variety of roles in Ohio State's secondary.

Lathan Ransom

Helped patrol the secondary with Jordan Hancock, alongside Downs, in 2024.

Lorenzo Styles Jr.

Stepped into the role Hancock departed, with Jaylen McClain filling the void left by Ransom, in 2025.

Matt Patricia

Ohio State's defensive coordinator who will look to utilize McClain's versatility to help replace Downs' production.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we allowed Caleb to just be himself, and do what was best for the team, play a lot of positions, be very versatile. So I was able to work around that as well and be versatile with that.”

— Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Safety

“Just being more vocal. I feel like losing Caleb and Sonny, they were lead communicators on the team and on this defense. So just working on being more vocal, making myself be heard on and off the field.”

— Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Safety

“Obviously I have to take that next step as well with the leadership and being versatile. So obviously I've been working different things, but we'll see when the season comes.”

— Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Safety

What’s next

Ohio State will look to McClain to help anchor the secondary and maintain the high level of play in the defensive backfield as the Buckeyes prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With the departure of star safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State's Jaylen McClain is poised to step up as a leader and versatile playmaker in the Buckeyes' secondary. McClain's ability to play multiple positions will be crucial as Ohio State's defense looks to replace Downs' production and impact.