The statistics tell a story that college football hasn’t seen in years. Ohio State’s defense under Matt Patricia isn’t just good—it’s historically dominant across virtually every meaningful defensive metric.
When Matt Patricia arrived in Columbus in February 2025, he inherited a defense that needed to replace eight starters from the previous year’s championship unit. Critics questioned whether his NFL schemes would translate to college football. The numbers have silenced every doubt, showcasing a defensive coordinator who has elevated an already elite program to unprecedented statistical heights.
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Scoring Defense: The Ultimate Measure
7.5 points per game allowed (#1 nationally)
This is the number that matters most. Through the season, opponents have managed minimal scoring against Patricia’s defense.
In 2024, under Jim Knowles, Ohio State led college football by allowing 12.9 points per game. Matt Patricia’s unit has significantly improved on that number while replacing eight starters—a testament to both his scheme and his ability to develop players quickly within his system.
Total Defense: Complete Dominance
212.6 yards per game allowed (#1 nationally)
The Buckeyes allow just 212.6 total yards per game—the best mark in the nation. Most Power Four offenses average between 350-450 yards per game. Ohio State holds opponents to less than half that production.
Breaking down the numbers:
- 131.2 passing yards per game (#2 nationally)
- 81.4 rushing yards per game (#2 nationally)
Red Zone Defense: Championship Excellence
57.9% red zone score rate (#1 nationally)
Ohio State has allowed opponents to score on just 57.9% of red zone trips—the best in the nation.
Kayden McDonald’s presence at 6’3″ and 326 pounds has been instrumental in clogging interior running lanes. His 44 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles reflect his impact.
Caleb Downs’ versatility allows him to match tight ends or play the run. Sonny Styles at 6’5″ and 243 pounds provides linebacker size that can match bigger receivers.
Matt Patricia’s red zone packages emphasize gap integrity and assignment discipline—concepts he refined over two decades in the NFL. When opponents reach the 20-yard line, they face a defense that rarely makes mental errors and consistently wins one-on-one matchups.
Third-Down Defense: Getting Off the Field
27.6% third-down conversion rate allowed (#4 nationally)
Ohio State’s third-down defense forces opponents into constant punting situations. The 27.6% conversion rate means opponents have converted just 60 of 217 third-down attempts.
The dominance stems from Patricia’s aggressive approach: disguised blitzes that catch offenses in bad protections, post-snap rotations that confuse quarterbacks, creative pressures that generate free rushers, and multiple looks that prevent anticipation.
Individual Sack Production
The Buckeyes’ sack production has been impressive, with multiple contributors:
- Caden Curry: 7 sacks (including 3 vs Washington)
- Arvell Reese: 6.5 sacks from hybrid linebacker/edge position
- Kayden McDonald: 3 sacks from interior
Passing Defense: Quarterbacks Under Siege
131.2 passing yards per game (#2 nationally)
Ohio State’s passing defense limits quarterbacks to just 131.2 yards through the air per game. The post-snap rotations deserve significant credit—Caleb Downs and the secondary consistently rotate after the snap, forcing quarterbacks to process coverage in real time.
The Buckeyes have allowed only 5 passing touchdowns all season.
Rushing Defense: No Ground Game
81.4 yards per game allowed (#2 nationally)
Opponents can’t run the ball against Ohio State. The 81.4 yards per game average means running backs are consistently met at or behind the line of scrimmage.
The defense has allowed only 3 rushing touchdowns all season.
Matt Patricia’s defensive line dominates the point of attack. Kayden McDonald clogs the interior with his 326-pound frame. Gap discipline eliminates easy rushing lanes. The emphasis on technical fundamentals—hand placement, leverage, and pad level—creates a defensive front that wins matchups consistently regardless of opponent size or strength.
Why the Numbers Matter
Matt Patricia’s defense excels in preparation, technique, execution, scheme, and player development. Ohio State leads the nation in scoring defense (#1), total defense (#1), and red zone defense (#1).
These aren’t fluky statistics from a weak schedule. The defense has consistently performed at an elite level throughout the season.
The numbers tell the story: Matt Patricia has built the nation’s best defense, proving that his NFL blueprint translates seamlessly to college football when combined with elite talent and meticulous attention to detail.
