LATEST NEWS: Ohio State coach Jim Knowles is implementing changes to the Buckeyes’ linebacker room.

Ohio State Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator Jim Knowles addressed the media on Thursday, emphasizing the adjustments within the team’s linebacker unit. Notably, he discussed junior Sonny Styles’ transition from safety to linebacker and the anticipated contributions from senior defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. With Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg departing for the NFL, Knowles believes Styles is well-suited for the linebacker position. “I felt long term in my vision for him that playing safety would give him a better perspective of the defense,” Knowles explained. “One of the biggest parts of being a linebacker is you have to know all the pieces around you so you can play fast. Sonny’s showing a lot of that in the first two days.”

Styles, who posted impressive stats last season with 53 tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup, played a key role in the Buckeyes’ formidable secondary. Ohio State’s defense ranked among the top in the nation, allowing fewer than 2000 passing yards for the entire season and just under 150 passing yards per game. Knowles mentioned that while Styles and Simon are expected to see significant playing time, they will face competition from rising juniors C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers, who saw limited action in 2023. “Gabe is one of the most improved guys,” Knowles noted.

Additionally, Knowles expressed his desire for Sawyer and Tuimoloau to take on more responsibility, including calling plays, and to be trained as outside linebackers. “If we’re strong inside, those guys can become more multiple,” Knowles stated. Sawyer and Tuimoloau combined for 86 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles last season, contributing to Ohio State’s stout run defense, which ranked 27th in the nation, allowing less than 120 yards on the ground per game.

Sawyer and Tuimoloau are among several juniors who opted to return for another season, driven by the desire to pursue a national title and defeat Michigan after a three-game losing streak. They aim to restore Ohio State football to its rightful place atop the college football landscape.