
Trivia Tuesday: Ohio State’s Elite Defensive Backs – A Legacy of Excellence
As Ohio State football gears up for the new season, fans and experts alike continue to celebrate the rich tradition of excellence that runs through the program’s history. Among the most storied positions at Ohio State has been the defensive back position, where numerous Buckeyes have risen to prominence with their outstanding performances on the field. One of the most revered achievements in this category is being named a first-team All-American in consecutive seasons, a feat that showcases a player’s dominance and consistency at the highest level of college football.
While Jack Tatum was the first defensive back in Ohio State history to earn first-team All-American honors in back-to-back years, a rare and impressive achievement in its own right, he was not alone. Since Tatum, three more Buckeye defensive backs have joined this elite group, cementing their place in Ohio State’s rich football legacy. This week’s Trivia Tuesday, brought to you by Ticketmaster Ticketexchange, is all about recognizing these standout players. Can you name the three Buckeye defensive backs who earned first-team All-American honors in consecutive seasons since 1970? Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable athletes.
1. Nate Clements (2000-2001)
Nate Clements is one of the most decorated cornerbacks in Ohio State history, and his back-to-back All-American selections in 2000 and 2001 solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the nation. Clements was known for his exceptional ball skills, playmaking ability, and shutdown coverage, which made him a key figure in the Buckeyes’ secondary during his time in Columbus.
In 2000, Clements earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and played a pivotal role in helping the Buckeyes secure a 10-3 record. But it was his performance in 2001 that truly elevated his legacy. In his senior season, Clements became one of the top cornerbacks in the country, finishing with several interceptions and breakups. His performance helped Ohio State’s defense rank among the best in the nation, and his ability to change the game with his coverage skills and leadership in the secondary was a key factor in Ohio State’s success. Following his back-to-back All-American selections, Clements was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of a successful professional career.
2. Malcolm Jenkins (2008-2009)
Another Buckeye defensive back who earned consecutive first-team All-American honors was Malcolm Jenkins, a player whose versatility, leadership, and skills made him a key part of Ohio State’s defense for several seasons. Jenkins played cornerback and safety during his time at Ohio State, and his ability to excel in both roles made him a unique talent in the Buckeye secondary.
Jenkins earned first-team All-American honors in both 2008 and 2009, marking the pinnacle of his college football career. In 2008, he was a standout in the Buckeyes’ defense, contributing with multiple interceptions, pass deflections, and crucial plays that helped Ohio State reach the BCS National Championship Game. In 2009, Jenkins was once again a key leader for the Buckeyes, guiding the defense to one of the best performances in the nation. His leadership on and off the field was crucial to Ohio State’s continued success, and his back-to-back All-American honors were a testament to his dominance at the position.
Jenkins was a standout player in both college and the NFL, where he went on to have a highly successful career with the New Orleans Saints, including a Super Bowl victory in 2010. But it was his time at Ohio State that truly established his reputation as one of the program’s all-time great defensive backs.
3. Denzel Ward (2017-2018)
Denzel Ward became the most recent Buckeye defensive back to earn first-team All-American honors in back-to-back seasons, achieving the feat in 2017 and 2018. Ward was a standout cornerback for the Buckeyes, known for his elite speed, excellent ball skills, and ability to lock down opposing wide receivers. His performance was instrumental in Ohio State’s defense, as he emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the country during his two seasons as a starter.
In 2017, Ward earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and made an immediate impact, with multiple interceptions and key defensive plays that helped the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship and earn a berth in the College Football Playoff. His standout performances continued into the 2018 season, where he was once again a dominant force in the secondary. Ward’s ability to match up with some of the top wide receivers in the nation was critical to Ohio State’s defensive success, and he finished his college career with numerous accolades, including first-team All-American honors in both seasons.
Ward’s back-to-back All-American selections helped solidify his status as one of the best cornerbacks in Ohio State history, and he was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His impact at Ohio State continues to be felt, and his success in the NFL has further cemented his legacy as a top defensive back.
Legacy of Ohio State Defensive Backs
The tradition of exceptional defensive backs at Ohio State has been well-documented, with Tatum, Clements, Jenkins, and Ward being just a few of the many players who have helped shape the program’s history. The Buckeyes have consistently produced some of the top defensive backs in college football, with many of them going on to successful careers in the NFL. These players not only left their mark on Ohio State’s football program but also helped define the program’s reputation as one of the most elite in the nation.
As we approach the start of the 2025 season, Ohio State fans are undoubtedly excited to see which new players will emerge as future All-Americans and contribute to the next chapter in the legacy of Buckeye defensive backs. With the program’s history of producing top-tier talent at the cornerback and safety positions, it’s safe to say that the tradition will continue, with future generations of Buckeyes aiming to add to this storied list.
So, Can You Name Them?
To recap, the three Buckeye defensive backs who received first-team All-American honors in consecutive seasons since 1970 are:
1. Nate Clements (2000-2001)
2. Malcolm Jenkins (2008-2009)
3. Denzel Ward (2017-2018)
These players, alongside Jack Tatum, who was the first to achieve this honor, have etched their names into the annals of Ohio State football history, continuing the proud tradition of elite defensive back play in Columbus.
And with 32 days to kickoff, the Buckeyes will look to add even more names t
o that list as the 2025 season unfolds. #GoBucks!
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