COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Through three games of the 2025 regular season, the biggest storyline about Ohio State’s defense as it stands may be that the Buckeyes allowed nine points to Ohio.

After a dominant performance in which Ohio State allowed just seven points to then-No. 1 Texas, pitched a shutout against FCS Grambling State and held defending Mid-American Conference champion Ohio to nine points, Ohio State’s defense is in exactly the place it wants to be.

Added up? The Buckeyes have allowed just 16 total points against three teams to begin the season. Last year’s national title-winning, No. 1-ranked defense allowed 20 points in the first three games to Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall.

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