As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are once again on Columbus. The Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off a national championship run, are reloading with top-tier talent. While the program doesn’t boast another Jeremiah Smith-level wide receiver in this year’s freshman class, they’ve landed someone who could make a similarly impactful entrance—only this time, on the defensive side of the ball.
Enter Devin Sanchez, the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the class of 2025. Ohio State fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about this elite recruit. With a 6-foot-2 frame and a build that already resembles a seasoned college athlete, Sanchez has the physical tools and competitive mindset to contribute right away, even at a powerhouse like Ohio State.
Playing as a true freshman is no small feat in Columbus. The Buckeyes’ depth chart is loaded every season, and most first-year players spend their time developing behind future NFL stars or carving out roles on special teams. But there are exceptions—those rare, game-ready prospects who force their way onto the field from day one. Based on early reports and his recruiting pedigree, Sanchez could very well be one of those exceptions.
Ohio State’s cornerback room has undergone significant changes since the 2024 season. The departures of Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock to the NFL left a pair of high-profile vacancies in the secondary. While returning players like Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Davison Igbinosun are expected to assume the starting roles, the competition behind them will be fierce.
Sophomores Aaron Scott Jr. and Bryce West, both former highly-ranked recruits themselves, are in line for increased playing time. But Devin Sanchez will absolutely be part of the conversation. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ sets him apart—even in a secondary brimming with young talent.
What makes Sanchez particularly intriguing is not just his talent, but how seamlessly his game seems to translate to the college level. His high school film shows a player with elite ball skills, the ability to mirror top receivers, and a physical presence in both man and zone coverage. He’s not afraid to step up in run support either, which is often a hurdle for young corners.
Ohio State’s track record with defensive backs is another encouraging sign for Sanchez’s future. The Buckeyes have consistently developed top-tier NFL talent in the secondary—names like Marshon Lattimore, Jeff Okudah, and Denzel Ward come to mind. That development pipeline, combined with Sanchez’s raw tools, could make for a very bright future.
While he may not be an instant household name like Jeremiah Smith was a year ago, Devin Sanchez has the potential to be one of the most impactful true freshmen in college football this fall. If he continues to progress through summer workouts and impresses in fall camp, don’t be surprised to see him contributing early—possibly even in meaningful minutes during big games.
So, while the offense reloads and the wide receiver room remains elite, it’s the defense—and particularly Devin Sanchez—that could be the story to watch in 2025. Ohio State may have found its next breakout star, and this time, he’s lining up on the other side of the ball.