There’s no easy week in Columbus especially when the rumor mill starts spinning. Hours after ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news that Penn State had parted ways with James Franklin, Ohio State fans couldn’t help but glance nervously toward their own sidelines. Happy Valley is calling. The Buckeyes may be rolling, but the Nittany Lions’ coaching search could have ripple effects in Columbus. But while Penn State is resetting, one Buckeye defender made his feelings about Matt Patricia crystal clear. 

On October 15, OSU safety Jaylen McClain’s heartfelt words went viral after Chase Brown posted them on X. “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.” That kind of statement screams culture. And in today’s coaching carousel, that’s exactly what makes Matt Patricia a hot commodity.

According to Pete Thamel, James Franklin’s firing came after three straight losses including an ugly one at home to Northwestern. The Nittany Lions still have to face Ohio State next month, but they’re already in rebuild mode. The former HC will walk away with a $49 million buyout, and interim HC Terry Smith will finish the season. What happens next could hit the Buckeyes on defense. Because right now, Matt Patricia’s name is floating in those Penn State waters like a tempting lure.

The former NFL head coach has kept Ohio State’s defense at an elite level even after Jim Knowles’ offseason departure. Matt Patricia’s football mind has translated seamlessly to the college game, turning the Buckeyes into one of the nation’s most disciplined, physical, and unpredictable defensive units. Losing him to a Big Ten rival is the kind of nightmare Ryan Day doesn’t want to relive.

And Jaylen McClain’s words aren’t just talk. His game proves it. The freshman has recorded 24 tackles this season, 19 of them solo, and credits Matt Patricia’s demanding but empowering style. “He puts a lot on our plate that we can handle,” he said, even suggesting Ohio State’s defense has shades of an NFL system. That’s the Patricia effect. Turning raw talent into polished, pro-level execution. He’s got experience, leadership, and a knack for pushing players to operate at the highest level. It’s exactly what Penn State needs right now. Which brings us to another subplot that’s keeping Columbus on edge.

Matt Patricia isn’t the only hot commodity in Columbus 

If losing Matt Patricia would sting, there’s another gem in Columbus. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is another name circling Penn State’s radar. A private jet linked to the Nittany Lions reportedly landed near The Shoe on October 13, sparking wild speculation that he could be next in line. Beat reporter Collin Ward even fueled the fire on X writing, “Don’t look now, but the Penn State private jet just landed at Ohio State’s airport. Brian Hartline? Would they land there for Al Golden? I feel like no.”

Brian Hartline’s rise has been meteoric. Promoted to OC this season, his offense ranks 23rd nationally in scoring (36.8 PPG) and 46th in total yardage (421.5). Those numbers aren’t gaudy, but they’re efficient by design. Joel Klatt even called him an “under-the-radar” candidate for Penn State, dubbing the Nittany Lions’ opening “the apple of the cycle.” With Penn State pouring nine figures into its stadium and chasing national relevance, the job comes with power, money, and prestige.

And if the Lions come calling, both Brian Hartline and Matt Patricia will have a decision to make. Stay loyal to Columbus or chase their next big chapter in Happy Valley.