Ohio State senior cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. is gearing up for his final season with the Buckeyes. He’s determined to leave a real legacy this time around.
After a pretty disappointing 2025 season, Mathews has his sights set on improvement and maybe even a little redemption. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s been focusing hard on sharpening his skills and bringing more physicality to the field.
With Davison Igbinosun off to the NFL, Mathews is now the loudest voice in the cornerback room. He’s ready to mentor the younger guys and, hopefully, lead the team back to a national championship.
Jermaine Mathews Jr.: A Season of Redemption
Mathews had big hopes for 2025, thinking that could be his last college season before heading to the NFL. Things didn’t really go as planned, though, and he felt he had some unfinished business left in Columbus.
So, he’s back for his senior year—driven and maybe a little hungry to prove himself. “I think I didn’t end the season how I wanted to end it last year,” Mathews admitted.
He faced some adversity for the first time since joining Ohio State. Now, he’s focused on tackling those challenges head-on.
Key Areas of Improvement
Mathews knows there are a few areas where he needs to level up:
- Physicality in the Run Game: He’s working on being more aggressive, especially against the run and shedding blocks.
- Press Coverage: Improving his press technique and getting out of his breaks faster is a priority.
- Attention to Detail: He’s zeroing in on the little things—controllables that could make a big impact over time.
Leadership and Mentorship
With Igbinosun gone, Mathews has naturally stepped up as a leader. He’s always been vocal, but now he’s figuring out how to use his voice in a way that really helps the team.
“Once you get older, you have to learn how to channel it a little bit and when to say it and how to say it sometimes,” Mathews said. His experience is already proving valuable for the younger guys.
Mentoring Devin Sanchez
One player who’s really benefited from Mathews’ guidance is sophomore Devin Sanchez. Sanchez, at 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, had a solid spring and looks set to start opposite Mathews.
Mathews has noticed Sanchez’s drive and potential. “Devin Sanchez has been working so hard to get better,” he said, sounding genuinely impressed.
He really believes Sanchez could be one of the best corners in the country. That kind of encouragement can go a long way for a young player.
Team Dynamics and Expectations
The Buckeyes are early favorites for the 2026 national title, but the schedule’s no cakewalk. Mathews is keeping his focus on what he can control, both for himself and the team.
“It’s more so just focusing on just the little things, more just some of the small things that I can control,” Mathews said. That mindset seems pretty important, especially with everything that comes with a high-pressure season.
Emerging Talent: Dominick Kelly
Keep an eye on sophomore cornerback Dominick Kelly, who transferred in from Georgia back in January. He’s been a nice surprise during spring ball and could see a lot of action this fall.
“Dom’s also a competitor; he works,” Mathews shared. Kelly’s more on the quiet side, but he’s got real potential and keeps getting better.
His growth could be a big boost for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Looking Ahead
Jermaine Mathews Jr. is gearing up for his final season with Ohio State. He’s determined to make it count—maybe even the best one yet.
He’s zeroed in on getting stronger, cleaning up his technique, and sweating the small stuff. It’s all about pushing his game up a notch and, hopefully, leading the Buckeyes to another shot at a national championship.
Mathews brings a lot to the table as a leader and mentor, especially for younger guys like Devin Sanchez and Dominick Kelly. With a tough season looming, his experience and grit could really tip the scales for the Buckeyes.
Curious for more? Check out the full article on 247Sports.
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