Ohio State's spring practices have given us an intriguing glimpse into the future of their defense, particularly at the safety position. With the departure of Caleb Downs, a massive void has been left to fill, and the Buckeyes are turning to a combination of returning starters and highly-rated transfers to secure their secondary.
One name that has stood out early on is Earl Little Jr., a fifth-year senior who transferred in from Florida State. Little made an immediate impact, shedding his black stripe in just five practices, a testament to his talent and work ethic. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Little's speed, agility, and communication skills, highlighting his ability to make an instant impact. Personally, I find it fascinating how quickly Little adapted to his new team, and it's a testament to his character and ability to fit into a new system seamlessly.
However, Little's injury during the spring game is a cause for concern. While he is expected to recover for summer workouts, it raises questions about his long-term availability and the depth at the safety position.
Speaking of depth, the battle for the starting free safety spot alongside Jaylen McClain is an intriguing one. Terry Moore, a second-team All-ACC safety from Duke, began the spring on the second team but worked his way into the starting lineup by the end. Leroy Roker III, a highly-rated redshirt sophomore, was initially favored for the role but now faces stiff competition from Moore.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast in their journeys. Roker has developed tremendously since high school, defying his three-star rating, while Moore, a former top prospect, missed the 2025 season due to injury. It's a battle between experience and potential, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
In my opinion, Moore's PFF grading as the second-best safety in college football in 2024 gives him a slight edge, but Roker's development and Ohio State's faith in him cannot be overlooked. This competition will likely go down to the wire, and it's a testament to the depth of talent at Ohio State.
Moving on to Jaylen McClain, the returning starter at strong safety, he finds himself in a unique position. With Downs gone, McClain is now the leader of the safety unit and will be tasked with stepping up his game to fill the void. McClain's ability to communicate and provide coverage will be crucial, and his performance could make or break Ohio State's defense this season.
The projected depth chart sees McClain and Little as the primary starters, with Moore and Roker vying for the free safety role. The depth behind them is a bit uncertain, with a mix of experienced players like Blaine Bradford and promising freshmen like Simeon Caldwell.
Overall, Ohio State's safety unit has the potential to be one of the best in the country. If McClain, Little, and Moore can live up to their billing, and the depth players step up, the Buckeyes could have a formidable secondary. However, the loss of Downs is a significant one, and it remains to be seen how the team will adapt to life without him.
As we head into the summer, the safety position at Ohio State is one to watch. With a mix of talent, experience, and potential, the Buckeyes have the ingredients for a successful secondary. It's now up to the players to put it all together and prove their worth on the field.
