The Ohio State Buckeyes faced a significant setback when they were eliminated from the College Football Playoff by the Miami Hurricanes, a loss that has triggered a wave of player departures through the NCAA transfer portal. With the 2026 season on the horizon, Ohio State will need to regroup and strengthen its roster to reclaim its position as a national championship contender. However, the Buckeyes may have another challenge to contend with: the potential departure of their esteemed defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia.
Recent reports indicate that Patricia has garnered attention from NFL teams seeking to fill defensive coordinator positions. According to NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, while there is interest in Patricia, he has not yet made progress towards a deal with any professional team. Breer clarified that, at this moment, there is no indication that Patricia is on the verge of leaving Ohio State.
Patricia’s leadership during the 2025 college football season was instrumental in developing one of the top defenses in the nation. Despite significant player losses to the NFL Draft last offseason, he effectively maximized his players’ potential. Retaining Patricia would be vital for the Buckeyes as they strive to rebuild, especially in light of projected talent departures heading into next season.
Ohio State is poised to lose several standout defenders to the upcoming NFL Draft, including safety Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald. Additional prospects could include cornerback Davison Igbinosun and defensive end Caden Curry. The continuity that Patricia provides would be immensely beneficial for a team facing an influx of new talent.
Although it is uncertain whether an NFL team will extend an offer to Patricia, his recent success has certainly placed him in the spotlight. He finds himself in a favorable position with Ohio State and is unlikely to accept any offers that do not align with his goals. As the situation develops, Buckeyes fans and staff alike are hopeful that Patricia will remain with the program to continue building a formidable defense. For now, while there is no immediate cause for alarm, the possibility of his departure lingers as a point of concern for the Buckeyes.