As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their season opener against Ball State, all eyes are on freshman Jay Timmons, who may be in line to start at the nickel back position. If Timmons earns the starting role, he would become the first Ohio State freshman to start on defense in a season opener since 2021, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the program.
Head coach Ryan Day has yet to finalize the defensive lineup, but Timmons has made a strong case for himself during preseason practices. Day praised Timmons’ competitive nature and instinctual play, stating, "He's super competitive. He's edgy. He just has a knack for the game, and he's got really good instincts." These attributes have helped Timmons stand out in a secondary that has seen some turnover, particularly with the departure of Lorenzo Styles Jr., who was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Returning senior Jermaine Mathews Jr. had previously taken snaps at the nickel back position during the spring game, but Timmons has taken the majority of first-team reps since the start of camp on August 6. His performance has impressed teammates, including sophomore cornerback Devin Sanchez, who noted, "He's done a lot to impress everybody. Not just us, but also the offensive coaches too. He's tough out there... making plays on the ball. As a freshman, that’s what you’ve got to do to be felt." Timmons' ability to make plays was highlighted by a sack he recorded during an 11-on-11 drill, showcasing his potential impact on the field.
After shedding his black stripe on the sixth day of preseason camp, Timmons has remained a contender for the starting spot, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to the Buckeyes' defense. He joined Ohio State as one of the top recruits in the Class of 2026, ranked 25th overall by 247Sports. His journey to Ohio State was marked by a commitment to Florida State before he ultimately flipped to the Buckeyes in November, a decision that has paid off as he aims to make an immediate impact.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 191 pounds, Timmons has the physical attributes necessary to compete at a high level. Sanchez recalled Timmons' confidence during the recruitment process, saying, "He told me when he was recruited, 'Hey Dev, I’m going to start at Ohio State my freshman year.'" This level of self-assurance has been evident throughout camp as Timmons has worked diligently to secure his place on the team.
The last Ohio State freshman to start on defense in a season opener was Denzel Burke, who took the field against Minnesota in 2021. Burke remains the only freshman defender under Day to have his first appearance as a starter, setting a precedent that Timmons hopes to follow. With the Buckeyes losing ten starters from the previous season, Day anticipates that the freshman class will play a crucial role early in the season. He stated, "The guys that deserve to have that opportunity through what they’ve done in terms of earning trust with their teammates, with their coaches... are going to do that. We’ll watch their performance on the field and see if they earn more reps."
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