Top Of The Charts: Safety

We have made our way through all the major positions (sorry specialists, just not happening in this one, plus Ohio State does not play Iowa this season) and wrap up at safety.

If you have gotten on board late the premise is simple. We are looking at the 12 opponents on Ohio State’s schedule, that’s it. Iowa? Nope. Michigan State? Nope. And so on.

Who are the top players that Ohio State will be facing at each position group?

We have seen Texas, Penn State and Michigan for most of the lists, but not all of them. But as we wrap up with safety, four of the five slots are filled by players from those three teams, presumably the three toughest games on Ohio State’s schedule for one reason or another.

We are not breaking up free safety from strong safety because not every program falls into those traditional old school roles, so this is just the top five safeties. And away we go as we wrap up our final look at Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule.

5. Derek Williams – Texas (August 30^th)

Derek Williams missed much of the 2024 season for the Longhorns and because of that, Ohio State fans may not be entirely familiar with his game. Williams recorded stats in just three games and didn’t see action after the Red River game against Oklahoma in mid-October. 2023 saw a better run with 41 tackles, 23 solo tackles and a pair of passes defended. Before missing out on the 2024 season, Williams did record his first career pick, against Michigan, of all teams.

4. Zakee Wheatley – Penn State (November 1^st)

I knew that I was going to take one of the PSU safeties and it was close between Wheatley and King Mack but ultimately Wheatley got the nod. Over the course of his career, Wheatley has five picks, has forced a pair of fumbles and has a pair of fumble recoveries. Was named All-B1G Honorable Mention last season by the conference media after having three interceptions in 2024.

3. Rod Moore – Michigan (November 29^th)

Another player looking to make a comeback is Rod Moore, who tore his ACL in March of 2024 and missed the entire season for the Wolverines. Prior to that, Moore had seen extensive action in three seasons with six interceptions, more than 140 tackles and seven passes defended. There are not many players on Michigan who are from the state of Ohio, but Moore got away from the Buckeyes and has been a nemesis since.

2. Koi Perich – Minnesota (October 4^th)

The Buckeyes really wanted Perich to play in Columbus (Ohio) but just couldn’t make it happen and now must line up against the talented safety. The awards came in last season for Perich, a second-team All-American by The Sporting News, a Freshman All-American by the FWAA, all-B1G both as a defensive back and as a returner. Not bad for someone with 46 tackles, 2.5 TFL, five interceptions and more. And we are not even talking about his special teams role.

1. Michael Taaffe – Texas (August 30^th)

Taafee was named a 2^nd team All-American by the AP and a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy (top former walk-on award). Started all 16 games last season for Texas, had 78 tackles along with 10 pass breakups, 5.5 TFLs and two picks. He was an active part of the Texas defense and while players like Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill got more of the headlines, Taaffe took care of all the dirty work in the secondary. Even with more of a known name around Big Ten country, still may be one of the overlooked players when the Buckeyes host the Horns in week one of the season.

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