Jermaine Mathews Jr. leads Ohio State secondary as senior cornerback
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 2:01 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
Jermaine Mathews Jr. will serve as a key leader in the Ohio State secondary this season. The senior cornerback started all 14 games in 2025 and was a vital contributor, including an interception against Texas that helped secure a win. After weighing entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Mathews opted to return to Ohio State, where he is expected to maintain a starting role and is a candidate for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Ohio State will rely on his experience as they face a challenging schedule ahead.
- •Mathews started all 14 games for Ohio State last season.
- •He intercepted an Arch Manning pass in the opener against Texas.
- •Mathews considered declaring for the NFL Draft before returning.
- •He earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors last season.
- •Ohio State faces a tough schedule this year.
- 2:01 PMYahoo Sports — Player to Watch: Jermaine Mathews Jr. is the elder statesman of Ohio State’s secondary
"The senior cornerback started all 14 games for Ohio State last season.
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