Jaylen McClain Makes First Career Start, Jordan Hancock Also Playing Safety for Ohio State With Lorenzo Styles Jr. at Nickel

In the wake of Lathan Ransom's injury and absence against Nebraska on Saturday, freshman safety Jaylen McClain made his first career start in the Buckeyes' 4-3 package against the Huskers. Normal starting nickel Jordan Hancock dropped deep to take Ransom's place in the defense's base 4-2-5 as redshirt junior Lorenzo Styles Jr. replaced Hancock at nickel.

McClain is a four-star prospect ranked 373rd nationally and 36th at safety in the 247Sports composite for the class of 2024. He's played 47 snaps for Ohio State this season in mop-up duty, recording eight tackles and one tackle for loss.

Styles has played 45 snaps this season, mixing into the defense in a few select dime packages and in the fourth quarter of blowout victories. He has eight tackles and a pass breakup on the year.

Hancock is in his second year as a starter for Jim Knowles' defense, with 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, four PBUs and a forced fumble thus far in 2024. In 2023 he had 41 tackles, two sacks, five PBUs, two forced fumbles and two interceptions with a 93-yard pick-six.

Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more coverage from Ohio State's matchup with Nebraska.