'We Have to Go Big!' Tyleik Williams Echoes Buckeyes All-or-Nothing Mentality

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams called some of his current and former teammates while he was deciding if he should return.

Tyleik Williams knows what is at stake for this coming season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle spoke at his first media availability of the spring season, and told reporters everything was on the line in 2024. Williams said the Buckeyes (whether it be him and his fellow seniors or the underclassmen) are ready to do whatever it takes to go the distance.

"Everyone is working harder, we know this is our last run," Williams said. "Most of us don't have any years after this. We have to go big or go home, and we're not trying to go home."

The Manassas, Virginia native then spoke about his decision to be a part of the journey back to the national championship. Williams was on vacation when he made his choice, saying he consulted several of his current and former teammates before making his decision official.

"They basically told me 'Why not come back?'" Williams said. "'We have a good squad coming back and we can do good things.' So basically I decided why not? NFL isn't going anywhere. I can get another year of development and learn more things before next year."

Williams will have an important role to play in the resurgence of Ohio State this coming season. Last season was one of the first in recent history in which some of the games were almost exclusively won on the backs of the defense.

Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles knows that expectation will carry into this year as well. In order to follow up last season with a tremendous 2024, Knowles will have to rely on Williams and his fellow seniors.