2026 tOSU Defense Discussion

[System_id]

I'm not really going to predict the defense because I thought 2025 would be a massive step back given all the turnover. Turned out to probably be the best OSU defense of my lifetime. For all we know 2026 might only be a half step back. Even a full step back might still be the #1 overall defense.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Sanchez over IGB is a wild take. Sanchez will need an all-time leap in year 2 for that to happen. He was basically the fish of the secondary all year…just brutal (which in his defense could be expected as a true freshman).

IGB was the fish for 2 years.

I’m not saying he’s going to be heads and shoulders but tell me a game or even play where Sanchez was burned bad?

Did he give up a few catches? Sure. But was he always right there? Yes.

 

[jakenick06]

IGB was the fish for 2 years.

I’m not saying he’s going to be heads and shoulders but tell me a game or even play where Sanchez was burned bad?

Did he give up a few catches? Sure. But was he always right there? Yes.

UCLAs TD drive immediately comes to mind. They went right at him all the way down the field if I remember correctly.

IGB was the mark his first 2 years, but then played himself into a day 2 draft pick and was arguably the best corner on the team. Expecting that out of Sanchez in year 2 is asking a lot.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

UCLAs TD drive immediately comes to mind. They went right at him all the way down the field if I remember correctly.

IGB was the mark his first 2 years, but then played himself into a day 2 draft pick and was arguably the best corner on the team. Expecting that out of Sanchez in year 2 is asking a lot.

It is but I think he can do it. That UCLA touchdown was with our backup defense though right?

Anyway, I’ll concede that maybe that’s asking a lot but can he do it? Yes I think he can.

 

[dragurd]

It is but I think he can do it. That UCLA touchdown was with our backup defense though right?

Anyway, I’ll concede that maybe that’s asking a lot but can he do it? Yes I think he can.

There was some game where he looked physically outmatched. Which was a little concernng to me. Cause he wasn't getting beat with technique just people running by him,

 

[Captain Buckeye]

There was some game where he looked physically outmatched. Which was a little concernng to me. Cause he wasn't getting beat with technique just people running by him,

Despite that he was always right there. I don’t think it’s the mismatch you think it was.

We are going to see but I have high hopes for Sanchez as well as Kelly for that matter.

 

[RugbyBuck]

I think there's something to be read into Scott and West leaving and Sanchez staying and at least competing for a starting spot. Clearly, Walton sees something in him. I liked IGB, but he was as much a liability as a gamer, actually because he was such a gamer. My guess is that Sanchez will ultimately be the better player.

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[Bestbuck36]

3 Defensive players projected in the top 10 of the draft coming up. I'm sure that's never happened before. Reloading after that kind of season will take some serious magic.

4 total players in the Top 10 is insane also.

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[scarletngray]

Garrett Stover one of four Iron Buckeyes for 2026. Also one of the fastest guys on the team IIRC.

 

[RB07OSU]

Garrett Stover one of four Iron Buckeyes for 2026. Also one of the fastest guys on the team IIRC.

Garrett had some real upside to me as a recruit. Had the frame of a LB but was a bit of a tweener in size between S and LB. Alliegro is really in the same general boat to me but with more proven production. I'm not sure what roles Patricia has cooked up for the two, but it seems like they would fall roughly into the same position fighting for PT. I may be way off but I will be curious to see if Patricia has some hybrid position in mind.