Jermaine Mathews Jr. steps up as Ohio State's defensive leader
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 3:01 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season, cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. is poised to become a key leader on the team's defense. With several veterans departed, Mathews' experience will be critical for the younger secondary members, who must adapt to new roles under coach Matt Patricia's scheme. Mathews, recognized for his consistency and athletic ability, may transform the defense's performance with increased production, including potential interceptions, this season. His influence could determine how quickly the unit gels together.
- •Jermaine Mathews Jr. becomes the leader of Ohio State's secondary.
- •Ohio State's defense lost several key veterans this offseason.
- •Mathews started every game in 2025, showing dependable performance.
- •Coach Matt Patricia's scheme requires strong communication from the secondary.
- •Increased production from Mathews could elevate his national profile.
- 3:01 PMYahoo Sports — Ohio State’s defense has the talent. Now they need a leader
"With a defense full of new faces, Jermaine Mathews Jr. can't just cover his side of the field. He has to hold the whole secondary together as a leader, while taking his own game to All-Big Ten, and maybe even first-round heights.
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