The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Cornerback Grades

Episode Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis
Podcast: The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Football Talk (Blue Wire)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Doug and Bill cap off their ten-part Ohio State position group breakdown with a deep dive into the Buckeyes’ cornerback room. They explore whether Ohio State is still “DBU” at corner, how the current cornerbacks stack up against past legends, and project the future of the position—including how young next year’s group will be. The hosts analyze player performance, draft trajectories, the impact of transfers, and strategic options, all with their usual blend of detailed analysis and listener engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Golden Era of Ohio State Corners—Over or Just Paused?

• Doug opens by questioning whether OSU is still in its “golden era” for cornerbacks or has taken a step back.

"Are we still in the golden era of Ohio State cornerbacks or have we taken a half step back from that?" — Doug (03:11)

• Bill suggests a slight decline:

“Maybe a half step back. ...It’s good, but yeah, it’s just a degree or two or three below what it was sort of at its peak.” — Bill (04:26)

• Doug gives context:
  • Last 1st-round OSU CBs: Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette in 2020.
  • Prior “DBU” years: Bradley Roby (‘14), Eli Apple (‘16), Marshon Lattimore & Gareon Conley (‘17), Denzel Ward (‘18), Jeff Okudah (‘20).
  • Since 2020, only 5th-rounders drafted at CB: Jordan Hancock & Denzel Burke (2025), Shaun Wade (2021).
  • No All-American CBs recently, whereas other OSU positions have produced plenty.

Current Cornerback Room: Resurgence via Transfer, Solid but Not Elite

• Davison Igbinosun’s Impact

  • Transfer from Ole Miss, now a high-snap mainstay and attitude-changer at corner.
  • Doug: “Where would they be without Davison Igbinosun? ... He’s on the list of most impactful Ohio State transfers.” (06:20, 10:04)
  • Bill: "It was a pretty big portal class, a lot of which frankly didn’t work. ...But Davison’s up there with the most impactful." (10:04–11:19)
  • Prolonged discussion about his physical style, run defense, and how he reset the toughness standard in the room.
  • Cut his penalties from 16 in ‘24 to 5 in ‘25.
  • Second highest PFF grade (79.4) for an OSU CB in last 6 years.
  • Physical run-stopper:

  “He’s just not afraid to mix it up. ...a really physical dude who embraces that part of the game.” — Bill (13:14)

• Jermaine Matthews — “Solid” #2

  • Young, had a hot start; recent penalty issues and a few key catches allowed.
  • Gave up 2 TDs this year ("one in the Texas game, one in the Big Ten championship"), more penalties late in season.
  • Matthews’ PFF grade: 64.7; Doug and Bill both argue he’s better than that stat.
  • Physical mismatch showed in Indiana game, but overall the CBs aren’t a liability:

  "I do not think Ohio State or the fan base goes into the postseason thinking like, ‘Oh, man, I hope the corners don’t get picked on.’" — Doug (18:10)

• Narrative on Penalties

  • Penalties cropped up late but attributed to consistency in play vs. suddenly stricter officiating.

  “I just think they played the way they played, and this time the refs called it.” — Doug (21:19)

  • Not seen as a major postseason concern.

Slot/Nickel Corner Analysis

• Lorenzo Styles Jr. ("converted WR, now nickel DB")

  • Played more confidently in second half of the season, cut down on breakdowns.
  • Noted for willingness to hit and physical presence.
  • Gave up only one TD this year (vs. Ohio), and generally solidified through the season.

  “He looks like he worked on [his coverage]. ...He’s a really important player for them. I’d probably give him a slightly higher grade than I would give Jermaine Matthews for the season.” — Bill (23:12)

• Possible NFL Future as a safety/nickel hybrid.

The Freshman Factor & Future Depth

• Devin Sanchez (true freshman, five-star):
  • Got significant snaps (esp. when Styles missed time). One start vs. Illinois exposed normal freshman CB growing pains.
  • Doug and Bill agree playing CB as a true freshman is much tougher than WR.
  • Sanchez shows promise but is not ready/mature enough to be a 2024 Jeremiah Smith at CB.

“I think the hope in that happening is that when he has to start next year, more than likely he’ll be better off for it.” — Bill (30:19)

• Bryce West & Aaron Scott
  • Also playing as freshmen, more on special teams than in defense.
  • Not expected to factor heavily in playoffs, but important for 2026.

Portal Philosophy & Rotational Depth

• OSU satisfied (for now) with current rotation, but open to veteran transfer at CB if need arises, esp. if Jermaine Matthews were to leave unexpectedly.

  “If there was like a veteran corner who showed interest in Ohio State, would you ponder it? I would...I wouldn't mind seeing them get back to rotating a bit.” — Bill (40:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bill on the prestige drop:

  "It's hard to be position U across the board...are you still good? Which I would say, like, they're still good." (04:08)

• Doug sums up CB legacy:

  “It was a run where it’s like, every CB who takes the field for Ohio State is a first-rounder. ...That’s an incredibly high bar. ...just a reality check.” (03:52)

• On Igbinosun’s transfer impact:

  “Where would Ohio State be without Davison Igbinosun? ...He’s played 2739 college football snaps, which is just a ton of football.” — Doug (08:33)

• Grading the group:

  “The average was 83. I think I’m an 80.” — Doug (35:09)
  “I’m 84. I think we're all kind of in the same neighborhood.” — Bill (35:12)

• On future youth movement:

  "It's going to be Jermaine and a bunch of guys who haven't played a whole lot...keep a bit of an open mind that room could shake out any number of ways." — Bill (38:03)

Segment Timestamps

• Welcome, Project Recap, Topic Overview: 01:12–02:11
• Is CB Still the Best Position? Historical/DBU Discussion: 02:11–05:36
• All-Big Ten/NFL Draft History, Recent Drop-off: 05:36–07:26
• Davison Igbinosun’s Impact—Culture Shift & Transfer Portal: 07:26–13:14
• Grading CB Play, Penalties, Run Defense: 13:14–16:52
• Jermaine Matthews’ Season Review: 15:18–19:26
• Penalties, Officiating Discussion: 19:26–22:10
• Lorenzo Styles in the Slot/Nickel: 22:10–26:18
• Freshman Corners' Playing Time & Learning Curve: 27:17–30:33
• Dime Packages/Depth Chart Tweaks: 31:41–33:50
• Bryce West & Aaron Scott Contributions: 33:50–34:43
• Cornerback Group Fan Grades: 35:05–35:41
• Projecting Next Year’s Depth—Youth Movement: 35:41–39:32
• Portal Potential, Roster Rotation Philosophy: 40:00–40:35

Conclusion

Doug and Bill agree that while OSU cornerback play isn’t quite as elite as its “DBU” heyday, the group is strong and bolstered by Igbinosun’s transfer and attitude. Corner grades average out to 82–84/100—solid, reliable, but less elite than recent OSU history.

Looking ahead, the cornerback room is about to get much younger in 2026, with Matthews likely as the lone experienced anchor surrounded by young, talented but unproven players. The hosts predict a playoff run without major CB worry, but recognize the need for nimbleness and perhaps another transfer if offseason attrition arises. The future will be a test of development and recruitment as much as on-field skill.