Kirk Herbstreit says Ohio State's defense showing 'immaturity'

College football analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit diagnosed one of the issues that has plagued the Buckeyes amid their two-game losing streak.

"I think their immaturity has really shown," Herbstreit said on ESPN's "College Gameday. "The lack of leadership has really shown on the defensive side of the ball,"

Herbstreit said the difference in the Buckeyes' performance is not because of a talent issue, but a leadership presence on the field for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's unit.

"I think what we're finally seeing with Ohio State is, you can replace great players like Caleb Downs and the linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvelle Reese with other five-stars," he said. "But when you take the leadership away, all of a sudden, you get some cracks."

Ohio State had four defensive players selected in the first 36 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Though the Buckeyes have had younger players step up to fill those roles, they have allowed many big plays in their losses to Oregon and USC.

Last week against Oregon, Ohio State allowed four plays of 20-plus yards. After leading 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, Oregon scored 38 straight points and took complete control in its 41-28 win.

As a result, the Buckeyes have three losses in the regular season for the first time since 2011.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kirk Herbstreit says Ohio State's defense showing 'immaturity'