Michigan Monday: Tale of the Tape - Defense

It’s time for the defensive side of the preseason Tale of the Tape.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State and Michigan defenses to determine which team has the edge heading into the 2026 season.

The guys compare the defensive lines, including Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson, James Smith, and Eddrick Houston for Ohio State against a Michigan front that includes John Henry Daley and Trey Pierce. They also debate the linebacker rooms, compare both teams at cornerback, and break down the safeties and nickel spots, where Ohio State brings back Jaylen McClain and adds Earl Little, while true freshman Jay Timmons continues to make noise.

The show wraps up with special teams, where Michigan may have the current edge thanks to its portal additions and more proven return options.

Which side has the better defense right now — and how much could these answers change by the time Ohio State and Michigan meet in November?

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:30 — Introducing the defensive Tale of the Tape
1:20 — Defensive line: Ohio State vs. Michigan
2:30 — Michigan’s questions at defensive tackle
3:12 — John Henry Daley’s health and upside
4:07 — Why Ohio State gets the edge up front
5:05 — Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson and Ohio State’s pass rush options
6:42 — Michigan’s young defensive ends and upside
7:37 — Linebackers: Ohio State vs. Michigan
8:15 — Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro give Ohio State confidence
9:11 — Michigan’s linebacker transfers and experience
10:31 — Cornerbacks: Ohio State vs. Michigan
12:30 — Devin Sanchez as the difference-maker
14:35 — Shamari Earls and Michigan’s corner depth
15:54 — Safeties and nickel: Ohio State vs. Michigan
16:40 — Rod Moore’s health remains a major factor
17:24 — Jaylen McClain and Earl Little headline Ohio State’s safeties
18:12 — Jay Timmons taking over at nickel
19:19 — Michigan’s safety depth and Chris Bracy
20:40 — How quickly things could change if Rod Moore is unavailable
21:00 — Special teams comparison
21:58 — Why Michigan gets the edge on special teams
22:55 — Ohio State’s return-game questions
24:31 — A bold prediction for Legend Bay on kickoff returns
25:03 — Final Tale of the Tape results
25:53 — Which position groups could flip by November?
26:39 — Closing thoughts

Which defensive position group do you think Michigan has the best chance to overtake Ohio State in by November? Let us know in the comments.

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