Image: Rhea1976, Matt Patricia March 2025 (cropped), CC BY-SA 4.0
When Matt Patricia arrived in Columbus last February, skeptics questioned whether an NFL lifer could adapt to the college game. Twelve games later, the numbers tell an undeniable story: Patricia has built the most dominant defense in college football.
The Ohio State defensive coordinator was named a finalist for the Broyles Award this week, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top five assistant coaches. For the first time in the award’s 30-year history, fans can vote to help determine the winner. With statistics like Patricia’s, making the case for his candidacy becomes remarkably simple.
Leading the Nation in Every Category That Matters
Patricia’s defense doesn’t just rank well nationally—it leads in nearly every major defensive category. The Buckeyes allow just 8.2 points per game, the best mark in the country and a figure that seems almost impossible in modern college football’s high-scoring environment.
Total defense tells the same story. Ohio State surrenders only 213.5 yards per game, meaning opposing offenses gain barely over three yards per play against Patricia’s unit. That 3.94 yards-per-play average ranks second nationally, creating a suffocating effect that few offenses have been able to crack.
Perhaps most remarkably, the Buckeyes have allowed just 10 touchdowns all season. Ten. Across 13 games against Big Ten competition and some of the nation’s top offenses, Patricia’s defense has reached the end zone fewer times than most teams allow in a single game.
Eight Games of Defensive Dominance
The season’s defining characteristic has been consistency. Patricia’s defense held eight of Ohio State’s 13 opponents to fewer than 10 points, including two complete shutouts. These weren’t just victories over overmatched competition—they came against quality Big Ten opponents fighting for bowl eligibility and conference positioning.
Against Texas in the season opener, the Buckeyes allowed just seven points, setting an early tone that would define their season. When Washington came to Columbus, Patricia’s unit surrendered only six points. The performance against Michigan—holding the Wolverines to nine points—showed this defense could deliver in the rivalry game’s biggest moments.
Even in Ohio State’s lone loss to Indiana, the defense held up remarkably well, allowing just 13 points to a team that averaged 41.9 points per game during their undefeated regular season. That performance actually underscored Patricia’s defensive mastery rather than contradicted it.
Dominating in Critical Situations
The raw yardage numbers only tell part of Matt Patricia’s story. Where his defense truly separates itself is in the moments that decide games—red zone trips, third downs, and fourth down attempts.
Ohio State ranks first nationally in red zone defense, with opponents converting just 66.67% of their trips inside the 20-yard line into any points at all. For context, most elite defenses consider holding opponents under 80% successful. Patricia’s unit is operating on another level entirely.
On third downs, the Buckeyes rank seventh nationally, allowing conversions on just 29.19% of attempts. That means opposing offenses are punting or turning the ball over on downs more than 70% of the time they face third down. Paired with the 11th-best fourth-down defense in the country (37.04% allowed), Patricia has created a unit that consistently wins the possession battle.
The passing defense allows just 129.1 yards per game, while the rushing defense surrenders 84.46 yards per contest, ranking sixth nationally. There’s no weakness to exploit, no tendency to attack. Patricia has built a complete defensive system.
From NFL Pedigree to College Excellence
These numbers didn’t materialize by accident. Patricia brought three Super Bowl championships’ worth of experience from his time with the New England Patriots, where he learned under Bill Belichick. That pedigree raised questions about whether NFL concepts would translate to the college level, but Patricia has answered emphatically.
His ability to develop talent shows in the accolades his players have earned. Four Buckeyes earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors: defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, and safety Caleb Downs. Three more—defensive end Caden Curry and cornerbacks Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr.—made the Second Team.
Seven All-Big Ten selections from a single defensive unit doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the product of coaching excellence, scheme versatility, and the ability to maximize each player’s strengths.
Making History With Your Vote
For the first time ever, fans can directly impact the Broyles Award outcome. The fan vote counts as one collective vote, weighted equally with the prestigious selection committee members who have determined the winner for nearly three decades.
Voting is open now through January 26th at 11 PM CST, and fans can cast their ballot once every 24 hours. Each vote also serves as an entry to win two VIP passes to the Broyles Award ceremony on February 12th in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Cast your vote for Matt Patricia here and help recognize the coordinator who has built college football’s most statistically dominant defense.
The numbers make Patricia’s case clear. Now it’s time for fans to make their voices heard in this historic voting opportunity. Ohio State’s defense hasn’t just been good this season—it’s been historically elite. The Broyles Award would simply recognize what the statistics already prove.