The Ohio State Buckeyes defense remains among the top in the country.
Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was named a Broyles Award semifinalist Monday, given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Knowles was also a semifinalist for the award in 2021, his final season as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State before arriving at Ohio State the next season.
Knowles, who is also the linebackers coach, has helped lead a stout all-around Buckeye defense — one that ranks second nationally in points allowed per game.
Ohio State’s linebackers have been among the top in the country as well, with seniors Tommy Eichenberg — a two-time Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist — and Steele Chambers leading the pack.
The Buckeyes currently have the No. 8 red zone defense in the country, limiting teams to just 9.3 points per game.
In addition, Knowles has led the No. 3 overall defense in the country this season, limiting teams to just 253 total yards per game.
Junior receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was also named a semifinalist for an honor Monday — the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
Only two former Ohio State coaches have earned the Broyles Award in the past — defensive coordinator Jim Heacock in 2007 and offensive coordinator Tom Herman in 2014.
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