Jermaine Mathews Jr. is one of the best freshmen in America.
This week, College Football Network named Mathews a freshman All-American at cornerback with D’Angelo Ponds of James Madison and Raion Strader of Miami (OH). Mathews was the lone first-year Buckeye to receive the honor.
College Football Network Freshman All-American, @Jr2Maine pic.twitter.com/8ZgrsbMQAV
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 6, 2023
Mathews appeared in 11 games in his first season at Ohio State. In those appearances, which included one start in Ohio State’s Week 10 win over Rutgers, the Cincinnati native recorded 193 snaps at defensive back, collecting 13 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception, which he returned 58 yards for a touchdown late in the Buckeyes’ Week 3 win over Western Kentucky.
With Denzel Burke as a potential NFL draft pick in 2024 and both Jyaire Brown and Ryan Turner in the transfer portal, Mathews could start for the Buckeyes with Davison Igbinosun at cornerback next season. Other returners in contention for the spot will be Jordan Hancock – who primarily played nickel safety in the 2023 regular season – Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Calvin Simpson-Hunt.
Before he arrived at Ohio State, Mathews was the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked defensive recruit in the class of 2023, coming to Columbus as the No. 51 overall prospect in the class. As a senior at Winton Woods, Mathews recorded 51 total tackles, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and six interceptions, leading the Warriors to a 12-1 record.
