Hold on to your seats, Buckeye fans—because one of Ohio State’s most explosive defensive talents is making a game-changing move. CJ Hicks, the former five-star linebacker prospect, is shifting gears in a way that could redefine the Buckeyes’ defensive strategy in 2025. But here’s the real kicker—this transition isn’t just about Hicks finding a new role. It’s about Ohio State building a defense that can dismantle opponents with speed, power, and unpredictability. And with legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson in his corner, the sky’s the limit.
A Shift That Changes Everything
For three seasons, Hicks roamed the field as a linebacker, flashing the kind of athleticism that made Buckeye Nation excited about his potential. But heading into 2025, the 21-year-old is gearing up for a new challenge—defensive end. And it’s not just any switch; it’s a strategic transformation that could turn him into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
With Jim Knowles out and Matt Patricia stepping in as Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator, the Buckeyes are shaking up their approach. Patricia, known for his multiple defensive fronts, sees Hicks as a hybrid edge rusher—an athletic force who can disrupt plays in the backfield with his explosive speed and uncanny length.
RJ Young, a Fox Sports analyst, broke down the impact of this move on The Number One College Football Show, and he didn’t hold back:
“He’s going to be that hybrid defensive end with his hand on the ground. With his length, his speed, and his explosiveness, you expect him to be able to wreak havoc off that edge.”
Translation? Ohio State is done playing it safe. They’re crafting a defense that can morph on the fly, adapting to whatever offensive scheme they face.
Larry Johnson’s Master Plan for Hicks
If there’s one person who knows how to mold raw talent into NFL-ready dominance, it’s Larry Johnson. Entering his 12th season as Ohio State’s defensive line guru, Johnson has a long history of developing elite pass rushers, from Joey and Nick Bosa to Chase Young. Now, CJ Hicks is his latest project—and the veteran coach is all in.
“CJ’s with me right now trying to learn how to play the position,” Johnson said. “I want him to learn how to play the position as a defensive end standup and not as a linebacker… He’s done an outstanding job so far.”
Think about it—Hicks isn’t just learning a new role; he’s being groomed to be a cornerstone of Ohio State’s evolving defense. The Buckeyes have traditionally leaned on a four-down front, but with Hicks in the mix, Patricia can deploy a more fluid scheme, throwing offenses off balance with shifting alignments and unpredictable pressure.
Johnson couldn’t be more excited about Hicks’ potential:
“That’s a bonus… because he stays on the field. You bring a guy from space, you can drop him from space, or you can blitz him. I think as we go forward, we’ll try to build that.”
A dynamic, hybrid defender who can rush the passer and drop into coverage? That’s the kind of weapon that can turn a good defense into a championship-winning force.
Jim Knowles Departure Drama? Larry Johnson Sets the Record Straight
Of course, any major coaching shake-up comes with its fair share of drama, and the Buckeyes weren’t immune. When Jim Knowles left Columbus for Penn State after helping Ohio State capture a national title, whispers surfaced that not everything ended on good terms—especially between Knowles and Larry Johnson.
The rumored tension? Allegedly, it stemmed from disagreements over the use of the Jack linebacker position, a hybrid role that Knowles had previously utilized at Oklahoma State. Some speculated that Johnson wasn’t a fan of the idea, leading to a philosophical divide between the two defensive minds.
But if you ask Johnson, that’s nothing more than empty chatter. The veteran coach shut down any talk of bad blood, making it crystal clear that he and Knowles were always on the same page.
“I don’t chase stories and lies out there because nobody’s asking me this question,” Johnson said. “But Jim and I had a really great conversation about what we were doing. There was never a moment where we were going, ‘Hey, I don’t want the 3-4.’ There was never that. It was like, ‘What’s the best for our players, and how can we get a 3-4 team?’ And that was always the conversation.”
So, there you have it—no drama, no conflict, just two elite defensive minds strategizing for success.
A New Era for Ohio State Football
With Matt Patricia calling the shots and Larry Johnson developing the next wave of Buckeye superstars, Ohio State’s defense is entering a bold new chapter. CJ Hicks’ move to defensive end isn’t just a tweak; it’s a signal that the Buckeyes are building a defense designed to dominate.
The big question? Will this transition unlock Hicks’ full potential and turn him into Ohio State’s next great pass rusher? If Larry Johnson is as excited as he seems, Buckeye Nation better get ready for something special.
