Photo Credit: Buckeye Backers
After Ohio State’s (4-0, 1-0) first big road test in a hostile environment, do we know more about this team? Yes, this defense is elite, and everyone in the nation knows it’s true. Ryan Day has mentioned repeatedly that this team is playing with an edge. On defense, that edge, both literally and figuratively, starts with DE Caden Curry.
Curry is tied for most tackles on the team at 25, leads the team in tackles for a loss with 8 (3rd nationally), and leads the team in sacks with 5 (1.25 per game is 2nd nationally). He is having a breakout season for this No. 1 scoring defense in the nation (5.5 points per game). Curry’s jump to the spotlight has been fun to watch after sitting for three years behind Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. Curry could have easily hit the transfer portal, but his determination and grit are paying off big time.
Offensively, the line should be on everyone’s list for the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line unit in the country. Specifically, this line is a nasty group, playing with that edgy mentality. When you can’t narrow it down any further than three edgy players on the offensive line, that’s a good sign. Those three edgy players are Austin Siereveld, Phillip Daniels and Luke Montgomery.
Siereveld is the only left tackle in the nation who has not given up a pressure all season, according to PFF. In the preseason, Siereveld was expected to start at guard. However, offensive line coach Tyler Bowen saw a fit that has paid dividends.
Montgomery has shown he’s blocking to the whistle and ready to flip the switch once he steps out on that gridiron. Man, it was on display against Washington. If you haven’t already, you have to check out the play below. If that isn’t playing with an edge, then I don’t know what is!
Day mentioned Daniels as a tough guy who plays just that way, tough, but he’s right on the edge of it sometimes. Daniels is a player who missed the recruiting process, something foreign to Ohio State fans and coaches. Daniels provides the team a nastiness with Ohio DNA. The advent of the transfer portal changed for these types of Ohio players.
If Ohio State continues to play as Day wants, “a desperate and hungry team,” then watch out, college football world. Once this team reaches its peak, it will be a scary sight for opposing teams.
The Buckeyes continue to dominate the recruiting trail, this time with 2026 tight end Nick Lautar. The Lebanon, OH, native flipped his commitment from Louisville. Lautar becomes the 27th member of the Ohio State 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes place 7th nationally in the recruiting rankings. Lautar is the lone tight end in the class […]
Cody Croy
Writer
2026 4-star EDGE Dre Quinn has committed to Ohio State. Quinn was previously committed to Clemson. Quinn currently attends Buford High School, a powerhouse that has seen a long line of Division 1 athletes, including Ohio State defensive lineman Eddrick Houston. Quinn finished his junior season with 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. […]
Jeremiah Smith wasn’t dominating defenders as usual; he was dominating the pregame buzz. Listed as questionable, his status sent shockwaves through the Buckeye faithful. Compounding the worries, his counterpart on the other side of the hash marks, Carnell Tate, was held out for a second week in a row. Turned out Smith played sparingly, and […]
