The Ohio State Buckeyes capped off an incredible season by winning their ninth national championship on Monday night, cementing their status as the premier program in college football this year. Despite two regular-season losses, the Buckeyes were dominant, particularly on defense, leading the nation in points allowed per game (12.9) and total yards allowed per game (254.6).
However, with success often comes the departure of key players to the NFL Draft, and Ohio State is feeling the impact on its secondary. Cornerbacks Davison Igbinosun and HJordan ancock had already declared for the draft, and on Friday, a third standout, Denzel Burke, announced his decision to turn pro. Burke shared the news himself, and Ohio State reacted with a brief but telling response on social media, using two emojis to acknowledge the announcement.
With these departures, the Buckeyes face a significant challenge in reloading their secondary for next season, but their strong recruiting and development pipeline will likely be key in maintaining their dominance.
Denzel Burke, a Phoenix, Arizona native, has been a key figure in Ohio State’s defense for the past four seasons. His career took off in 2021 when, due to injuries, he became the first freshman to start for the Buckeyes on defense since 1996. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 193 pounds, Burke continued to make significant contributions throughout his college career. As a senior in 2024, he registered 48 tackles, two interceptions, and two passes defended, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defensive back.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Burke’s stock has risen. Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling has projected him as a third-round pick, with the Cincinnati Bengals taking him 81st overall. His combination of experience, size, and playmaking ability makes him a promising prospect for the next level.
