Ohio State's cornerback unit is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2026 season, thanks in large part to the standout performances of Devin Sanchez and Dominick Kelly during spring practices. While the Buckeyes' secondary has always been a strong suit, the emergence of these two players has added a new layer of depth and talent that could make them one of the best units in college football.
Sanchez, a sophomore, is already living up to the hype that surrounded him as a five-star recruit. His dominant performance against Ohio State's receivers during spring practices has solidified his position as a full-time starter opposite Jermaine Mathews Jr. Sanchez's confidence and ability to hold his own in coverage against top talent like Jeremiah Smith are a testament to his potential as an All-American.
Kelly, on the other hand, has emerged as a surprise star. His lockdown coverage on the outside has earned him a spot on the depth chart, and his smooth operation and understanding of the game have impressed head coach Tim Walton. Kelly's ability to take advantage of first-team reps and consistently perform at a high level has made him a strong contender for regular playing time.
However, there are still some questions lingering. Can Mathews, who struggled in the late stages of last season, bounce back and become the consistently dominant player he's expected to be? And how many cornerbacks will see regular playing time? Walton's decision to use a rotation during the stretch run of the 2024 national championship season suggests that he may lean on his starters for the majority of snaps, but the addition of Kelly and the emergence of Timmons and Thomas could force him to reconsider.
The projected depth chart for the Buckeyes' cornerbacks is still taking shape, but the top three spots appear set with Mathews and Sanchez starting and Kelly coming in behind them. Calhoun, a transfer from Utah, is expected to round out the two-deep, while Timmons and Thomas, both highly touted freshmen, could force their way into the top four. The addition of these young talents, combined with the experience of Calhoun, has strengthened the Buckeyes' cornerback depth, despite some initial concerns about the room's depth.
If Mathews and Sanchez can live up to the hype and continue to develop, Ohio State will have one of the nation's best cornerback tandems. Kelly, Calhoun, Timmons, and Thomas all have the talent to contribute, and the addition of these players to the secondary, led by Jaylen McClain, Earl Little Jr., and Terry Moore, has the potential to make the Buckeyes' defense even more formidable. The future looks bright for Ohio State's secondary, and the emergence of these young players is a testament to the program's ability to develop and recruit top talent.
