We’ve said it time and again, Ohio State just teaches everyone how it’s done. This week, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald shared an update that perfectly captures what sets the Buckeyes apart. Under Ryan Day, OSU has established a mental health ecosystem featuring psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors who ensure players are supported well beyond the field. Leading that effort on defense is first-year coordinator Matt Patricia, who’s quickly become far more than just a coach to his players.

On October 29, Ohio State beat writer Dan Hope shared a snippet of McDonald’s take on Patricia. “I don’t call him my defensive coordinator, I call him my mental coach. He helps me with stuff off the field, and everything on the field’s already taken care of,” said the defensive tackle. The two share a great bond, and Patricia’s occasional remarks might make it sound like McDonald is his favorite.

Well, in some ways, he’s earned that praise. “Yeah, you love to be strong in the middle of the defense, and K-Mac is strong in the middle of the defense,” Patricia said. “He’s right there, right in front of the center, right in front of the quarterback… that’s a key piece for us. He’s done a great job of really improving and showing just how big he can play inside. I think K-Mac’s just ahead of those guys. He’s done a really good job with it.”

But it’s not just McDonald, talk to anyone in the locker room, and you’ll hear a similar story. Safety Jaylen McClain also opened up about the connection he shares with the defensive coordinator. “The first day he was here, I had a conversation with him. The relationship has been growing ever since. I love him. He loves me back, you know what I mean? I like playing for him,” the player confessed. And the locker room’s trust in their DC is reflected in their on-field performance.

Patricia joined the Buckeyes at a tricky time. When Jim Knowles departed for Big Ten rival Penn State back in February 2025, it left a major void in Columbus. Contract disputes were seemingly at the heart of the fallout. After Knowles’ defense led the Buckeyes to winning a Natty, Day wanted someone who had championship pedigree. And Patricia fit the criteria, having won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. Still, questions lingered, as Patricia hadn’t coached at the collegiate level since 2003. It didn’t take long for him to silence all doubters.

The Buckeyes are the only team in America allowing under 10 points a game and rank first in total defense at 216.9 yards. But as McDonald claims, the success has to do with more than teaching the players the scheme. With Patricia, the players feel heard. That’s what makes them give their 100% as leading the nation in defense takes a collective effort. 

The Matt Patricia Effect in the Buckeyes camp

On October 17, Pro Football Focus made a major announcement for Patricia. The tweet read, “PFF’s CFB Midseason Best Assistant Coach Award Winner: Matt Patricia. Ohio State has allowed just 6.8 points per game this year.” Talking about Patricia’s power? Not to forget, when he stepped into Columbus, he was welcomed by a program whose defense had lost 8 players to the NFL Draft. So, analysts were predicting that Ohio State would have a slow start, only to find out that they began the year by beating preseason No. 1 Texas 14-7. And how did Patricia sprinkle his skills to revamp Ohio State’s defense?

He used linebackers in more versatile ways. Ohio State has upgraded its defensive blueprint. After relying on a standard four-man front last year, Patricia exposed them to the “penny” front: four linemen up front with one linebacker flexed out on the edge, a setup popular among NFL defenses.

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It can be presumed that his commitment to Ohio State comes from the deep love he feels for the program. Talking about the Buckeyes, one could already sense Patricia’s respect for the program, “It’s been unbelievable. This place is amazing. The fans are great, the stadium atmosphere, and my kids are in awe. They’ve seen some really cool things in sports, but this has been unbelievable.”

Now, amidst all this success under Matt Patricia, the Ohio State Buckeyes must already be haunted by a feeling of fear of losing him. Given almost a dozen job openings for the head coach role in the market, the fear just gets bigger. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Matt Patricia ends up in one of these searches,” Pete Thamel stirred up some more anxiety for Ryan Day and co. The question now is whether the love he’s felt in Columbus will be enough to keep him from testing the waters elsewhere. Then again, coordinators don’t always make great head coaches. Just ask the Detroit Lions.