C.J. Hicks’ redshirt year could pay off sooner than expected for Ohio State

Ohio State’s 2025 season has been defined by stars playing at a championship level, but one of the most intriguing and interesting developments has happened largely out of sight. CJ Hicks, one of the most physically gifted defenders on the roster, spent the regular season redshirting while practicing daily with the Buckeyes, recalibrating his role and quietly positioning himself for a meaningful impact when it matters most. With the College Football Playoff underway, Hicks’ redshirt status now becomes an advantage rather than a limitation, both for the postseason and for Ohio State’s defensive future.

A redshirt by design, not by default

Hicks’ decision to redshirt was never about falling behind. It was about fit, development, and long-term value. After arriving in Columbus as a high-profile linebacker recruit, Ohio State made a deliberate choice to continue his transition toward the edge this past offseason, where his length, explosiveness, and first-step quickness project more naturally. Rather than forcing snaps early, the staff prioritized a full season of practice reps, strength development, and technical work, particularly with hand usage, pad level, and pass-rush counters.

That work now puts Hicks in a unique position entering the playoffs. Postseason games do not count against redshirt eligibility, which means Ohio State can deploy him situationally without sacrificing a year of eligibility. The expectation is not for Hicks to suddenly become a featured starter, but to serve as a depth edge defender and situational pass rusher, spelling veterans and providing fresh juice on passing downs. For a defense built on waves of pressure, that role carries real value, especially against elite quarterbacks in playoff environments.

What Hicks can offer in the playoff rotation

Ohio State’s defensive front has been among the nation’s best, but playoff football demands depth. Hicks brings a different profile than a lot of the Buckeyes’ established edge players. He’s more explosive, longer, rangier, quicker, and still relatively untapped as a pass rusher. After a full season of practicing against Ohio State’s offensive line, the hope internally is that his feel for the position has accelerated, allowing him to play fast without overthinking his assignments.

Even limited snaps could matter. Hicks’ athleticism gives him the ability to win with speed off the edge or collapse pockets with power when protections slide away. If he can simply hold the edge against the run and generate pressure in obvious passing situations, he becomes a net positive. The postseason often turns on a handful of snaps, and Hicks has the physical tools to influence those moments if his technique has caught up to his traits. We’ve even seen that already this season with Hicks, who had the game-sealing QB hit/pressure in the Texas game week one.

Why the redshirt could help shape Ohio State’s 2026 defense

As important as Hicks’ potential playoff contribution is, the long-term implications may be even bigger. By preserving his redshirt, Hicks remains eligible to return next season at a time when Ohio State’s edge room is likely to undergo significant turnover. Caden Curry is expected to graduate and move on, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. could be headed to the NFL, leaving meaningful snaps available in the rotation.

That opportunity aligns perfectly with Hicks’ developmental timeline. If he uses the playoff experience as a foundation and follows it with a full offseason focused on edge-specific refinement, he could enter next season ready to compete for a major role. The defensive line appears to be his most natural home, and Ohio State has consistently shown that patience with high-upside defenders pays off once the technique matches the talent.

For now, Hicks’ story is about timing. He arrives in the playoffs with eligibility intact, physical tools sharpened by a year of practice, and a chance to help in small but important ways. Beyond that, the redshirt season positions him as a potential centerpiece of Ohio State’s edge rotation in 2026, a reminder that sometimes the most impactful seasons begin before the stat sheet ever even shows it.