Ohio State football: Matt Patricia built trust, then the nation’s leading defense

While it may not have risen to a Defcon 3 level of crisis, the unknowns surrounding the Ohio State defense as it entered the 2025 were concerning. The Buckeyes were coming off a national championship, with the defense playing a major role. Ohio State ranked No. 1 in scoring and total defense in 2024, so when coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State after unsuccessfully angling for more money, there was a hole that looked like it would be difficult to fill. Enter Matt Patricia, holder of multiple Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and someone who was hailed for creativity and ever-changing looks. The initial returns from Buckeye Nation were lukewarm at best, with many wondering...