As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2026 college football season, the team’s in the middle of some big changes. The Scarlet and Gray roster looks pretty different now, with several starters gone from both offense and defense.
Still, Ohio State’s loaded with talent, thanks in no small part to head coach Ryan Day and his staff. Their recruiting game and use of the transfer portal have kept the Buckeyes near the top. Today, let’s zero in on one of the most intriguing players for the new season: cornerback Devin Sanchez, who’s landed at No. 8 on the Buckeyes’ top-20 player list.
Ohio State’s Roster Evolution
The offseason’s been nothing short of a transformation for the Buckeyes. Ohio State lost four starters on offense and eight on defense from the squad that went 12-0 in the regular season, before losing to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Even with all those departures, the Buckeyes aren’t exactly fading into the background.
Key Player Departures
Several key players have moved on to the NFL or hit the transfer portal:
- Davison Igbinosun
- Lorenzo Styles Jr.
- Aaron Scott Jr.
- Bryce West
With those guys gone, it’s time for some new faces to step up and grab the spotlight.
Spotlight on Devin Sanchez
Devin Sanchez, a five-star recruit and one of the top five players in the 2025 class, might just be the most promising name on the roster. He was brought in by cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, and he picked Ohio State over heavy hitters like Alabama and Texas A&M, making his commitment at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January 2024.
Freshman Year Performance
Sanchez’s freshman year wasn’t a cakewalk—he had to battle for playing time. Still, he managed to grab the third cornerback spot, logging 321 snaps (third-most at his position).
He even got a start against Illinois when Lorenzo Styles Jr. was out. His debut season stat line:
- 15 total tackles
- 2 passes defended
- 1 fumble recovery
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Sanchez was targeted by opposing offenses, giving up 15 catches on 25 targets and allowing a touchdown. But honestly, those tough moments are probably just what he needs to keep growing.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Now, as Sanchez heads into his sophomore year, the expectations are sky-high. He’s got a 6-foot-2 frame, long arms, and the kind of physical tools you look for in a top college cornerback.
What’s next? It’s all about sharpening his technique and getting more reps against top-level receivers.
Competition for Starting Spot
Even with Igbinosun and Styles gone, Sanchez isn’t guaranteed a starting job. The Buckeyes’ cornerback room is still pretty crowded:
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. – Returning starter and senior
- Miles Lockhart – Third-year corner with not a ton of game experience
- Cam Calhoun – Transfer from Alabama
- Dominick Kelly – Transfer from Georgia
Sanchez’s experience from last season gives him a leg up, but he’ll have to keep improving if he wants to lock down that starting spot.
Ohio State Men’s Basketball Highlights
Football gets most of the attention, but Ohio State’s men’s basketball squad has had its share of big moments lately. Senior captain Bruce Thornton just broke Dennis Hopson’s 39-year-old record for most career points in a Buckeyes uniform.
Thornton’s milestone came during a huge 91-78 win over Indiana, which also happened to be the season’s first sellout at the Schottenstein Center.
Thornton’s Record-Breaking Performance
He needed 12 points to break the record and hit that mark with a three-pointer right before halftime. Thornton finished with:
- 25 points
- 7 assists
His performance not only clinched the win but also boosted Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament chances. It was a big night for the team and for head coach Jake Diebler, no doubt about it.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
Both the football and basketball teams at Ohio State are changing fast. You can feel a real sense of optimism around here lately.
The Buckeyes keep chasing top recruits and putting in the work to develop their players. That’s a big reason why they’re always in the mix, no matter the sport.
If you’re curious about Ohio State’s standout athletes or what the next few seasons might bring, here’s a good place to start: Ohio State Football Top 20 Players Heading into 2026.
We’ll keep following the Buckeyes and sharing updates as their story unfolds. Who knows what twists are coming next?
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