Buckeyes DB Lathan Ransom Named Big Ten Defensive Player Of The Week

Originally posted on FanNation Buckeyes Now
By Cole Thompson | Last updated 9/25/23

In a game filled with future star potential, Ohio State defensive back Lathan Ransom shined brightest against Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

Now, he's being recognized nationally for his efforts in a 17-14 victory.

Ransom was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following a victory over the then-No. 9 Irish on Saturday evening, the league office announced Monday. Ransom finished with a career-best 13 stops against Sam Hartman and Notre Dame's top-10 scoring defense.

Totaling 13 tackles against anyone is impressive, but Ransom was a cut above the remaining Ohio State defenders. Safety Josh Proctor finished second with six stops. Davison Igbinosun, Sonny Styles, Steele Chambers and Sonny Styles each totaled six tackles apiece.

Ransom's highlight play came during the fourth quarter when he drilled Hartman on what could have been a third-down conversion. The No. 4 Buckeyes forced a punt with 1:26 remaining to give the ball back to Kyle McCord and the offense.

Ohio State marched 65 yards on 15 plays to set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Chip Trayanum with one second remaining. McCord, who didn't find the end zone but still threw for 240 yards, completed 5-of-13 passes on the final drive to set up the run, including a pass to Emeka Egbuka for a gain of 21 yards on third-and-19.

Entering their bye week, the Buckeyes rank sixth nationally in total defense (255.5 yards per game) and second in scoring (8.6 points per game) under second-year coordinator Jim Knowles. Entering Saturday, Ohio State had yet to allow two touchdowns in its first three games.

A former Jim Thorpe Award finalist, Ransom has registered 20 tackles, including a tackle for loss in four contests. He currently ranks fifth in stops behind Chambers, Tommy Eichenberg, Tyleik Williams and Igbinosun.

The Buckeyes return to Ohio Stadium on Oct. 7 to face Maryland at Noon.