'Good-Looking Group!' Dominant Ohio State Buckeyes Defense New Normal?

Both Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles were pleased with what they saw during the 2024 Spring Game.

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) of the / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch /

The Ohio State Buckeyes defense stole the show on Saturday, much to Ryan Day's delight.

The Buckeyes head coach had a front-row seat to a dominant performance from all levels of his defense during the 2024 Spring Game. Day said this season's Ohio State defense is not just talented, but also has something they want to prove to fans and the rest of the country.

"When you look at our defense, when you look at the back end, you look at the front and then those linebackers, I mean, it's a good-looking group," Day said. "And you saw that all spring. They're flying around, they're getting it. And they all want to play more and show off in this game."

Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles echoed Day's comments following Saturday's scrimmage at Ohio Stadium. The second-year leader of the defense told reporters it is now the new normal for Ohio State to have a powerhouse defense.

"I think it's become an expectation now," Knowles said. "Our DBs (defensive backs), you know, are BIA: Best In America."

Both Day and Knowles will be unable to coach their players until the start of regular-season practice, leaving the betterment of the defense in the hands of the players themselves. Additionally, the Spring transfer portal window opens on Tuesday, meaning some of Saturday's stars may decide to pack their bags.

Only time will tell if the stellar play from Ohio State's defense that the nation saw on Saturday will carry over into August.

But for now, it seems they're off to the right start.