Matt Patricia’s future with Ohio State football is suddenly the talk of the town. Buckeye fans and college football folks are buzzing after Patricia posted what looked like an emotional farewell on Instagram.
That post, paired with whispers about NFL teams circling, has people wondering if Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is eyeing a move. Patricia’s work with the Buckeyes’ defense has been hard to ignore—he built on Jim Knowles’ foundation and turned the unit into one of the best we’ve seen in a while.
As the Buckeyes look toward the 2026 season, the question marks around Patricia just add more drama to an already wild time for the program.
Matt Patricia’s Impact on Ohio State’s Defense
Since coming to Ohio State, Patricia’s fingerprints are all over the defense. He took the groundwork Jim Knowles set up and pushed things even further, making the defense a real force.
His NFL experience, especially with the Patriots, seems to have translated well to college ball. There’s a noticeable edge and strategic sharpness that the Buckeyes have picked up since he arrived.
Statistical Improvements
Under Patricia, the numbers speak for themselves:
- Points Allowed: The Buckeyes have cut down on points allowed, making them a nightmare for opposing offenses.
- Yards Per Game: They’re also holding teams to fewer yards, which says a lot about Patricia’s game planning.
- Turnovers: There’s been a bigger focus on forcing turnovers, and that’s given the offense more chances to shine.
Not surprisingly, other college programs and NFL teams are starting to take notice and sniff around.
Speculation About Patricia’s Future
That Instagram post from Patricia? It’s got fans and analysts scratching their heads about whether he’ll stick around or bolt for the NFL. The timing couldn’t be trickier, with Ohio State prepping for 2026 and hoping to keep the momentum going.
Interest from NFL Teams
Honestly, it’s no shock that NFL teams want him back. His long run with the Patriots showed he can build elite defenses, and plenty of franchises would love to have that expertise in their building.
If Patricia does decide to leave, odds are he’ll have more than a few offers waiting. For more on all this, check out the full piece over at 247Sports.
Ohio State’s 2025 Season Recap
The Buckeyes’ 2025 season wrapped up in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. They couldn’t repeat as national champs, but the team showed plenty of fight through the year.
Looking ahead, recruiting and the transfer portal are going to be big in filling any holes and keeping the team in the mix at the top.
Recruiting Efforts
The staff is already hustling on the recruiting trail. Ohio State’s got a reputation for pulling in top talent, and that’s not about to change if they want to stay among the elite.
Some key spots they’re focusing on:
- Defensive Recruits: If Patricia leaves, landing top defensive talent becomes even more important.
- Offensive Playmakers: The Buckeyes are always looking for guys who can light up the scoreboard.
- Transfer Portal: They’re not shy about bringing in experienced transfers who can help right away.
Ohio State Basketball Season
With football winding down, Ohio State basketball is already rolling. Conference games are looming, and the Buckeyes are bracing for a tough stretch.
The early games have shown some promise, and there’s a cautious optimism among fans about how the season might play out.
Key Players to Watch
There are a few guys really stepping up this year:
- Jerquaden Guilford: The Top247 wide receiver signee has been a standout, making plays and earning top marks in practice. Honestly, he’s just fun to watch.
- Veteran Leadership: The older players will need to steady the ship during the grind of conference play.
- Newcomers: Fresh faces, whether freshmen or transfers, could give the team a spark off the bench.
For deeper coverage on Buckeye hoops, swing by 247Sports.
Conclusion
Ohio State is still figuring out what’s next with Matt Patricia. There’s a lot of uncertainty, and honestly, nobody seems totally sure how it’ll play out.
The program’s eyes are on the 2026 season, though. They’ve got a solid base to build from, and recruiting is still humming along.
Whether Patricia sticks around or heads back to the NFL, he’s definitely left his mark. That much seems obvious, even if the future’s a bit murky.
If you’re following this story, it’s probably worth keeping an eye out for updates. Want more details or a deeper dive? Check out 247Sports for the latest.
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