Jim Knowles Discusses Jermaine Matthews’ Potential as a Starter for Ohio State, Drawing Comparisons to Cody Simon’s Role in 2025
Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, recently shared insights into the team’s assessment of sophomore cornerback Jermaine Matthews, noting that the Buckeyes
view him as a key contender for a starting spot in the upcoming season. Knowles compared Matthews’ situation to that of linebacker Cody Simon, who has been positioned as a potential starter in the 2025 season, highlighting the growing role of Matthews in Ohio State’s defensive plans.
In his remarks, Knowles explained that Matthews’ performance and development over the course of the previous season have made him a strong candidate to start at cornerback for the Buckeyes. The coaching staff has been closely monitoring Matthews’ progression, evaluating his skill set, athleticism, and football IQ, and the consensus is that he is prepared to take on a starting role.
Knowles also made a direct comparison to Cody Simon, a linebacker who has been similarly assessed as a potential starter for Ohio State in 2025. Simon, who has shown considerable promise in previous seasons, represents a player who was not necessarily an immediate starter but gradually developed into one through consistent effort, improvement, and a strong grasp of the team’s defensive schemes.
This parallel suggests that Ohio State’s coaching staff tends to view players like Matthews and Simon as individuals who may not always start from day one but are seen as crucial to the team’s overall depth and future success. Matthews’ trajectory, like Simon’s, seems to be on an upward trend, with his readiness to contribute as a starter only a matter of time.
Jim Knowles also emphasized that the competition for starting spots on the Ohio State defense is fierce, but Matthews has demonstrated the attributes that are necessary for success at the cornerback position. Matthews’ ability to cover receivers, his speed, and his physicality are among the reasons why the coaching staff believes he has the potential to thrive as a starter. Furthermore, Matthews has shown strong leadership qualities, which are essential in the secondary, where communication and cohesion are critical.
Knowles’ comments reflect the program’s commitment to developing players and providing them with opportunities to earn starting roles based on merit and performance. The fact that Matthews is even in consideration for a starting role speaks volumes about his growth and the trust the coaching staff has in his abilities.
In summary, Jim Knowles sees Jermaine Matthews as a player with the potential to contribute significantly to Ohio State’s defense, similar to the way the team has viewed Cody Simon as a potential starter. As Matthews continues to develop and demonstrate his skills, it appears that the Buckeyes are ready to give him a larger role in the defensive unit, possibly in a starting capacity, as they look to build on their successes in the coming seasons.
