Ohio State defense, led by Jim Knowles, dominated college football in 2024, finishing first in stop rate a measure of defensive success based on forcing punts, turnovers, or stops on downs. The Buckeyes achieved an impressive 78.5% stop rate, the highest in the nation, while also ranking first in scoring defense (12.9 points per game), total defense (254.6 yards per game), and yards allowed per play (4.19).
Their dominance extended through the College Football Playoff, where they secured stops on 30 of 41 drives, including a crucial goal-line stand against Texas and Jack Sawyer game-winning defensive touchdown.
Under Knowles, Ohio State improved each year, climbing from No. 12 in stop rate to No. 1. Now, Knowles is heading to Penn State, where he will earn $3.1 million per year to lead a defense that finished 15th in stop rate last season.
Other top defenses in 2024 included Texas (No. 2, 76.9%) and Tennessee (No. 3, 76.8%), both of whom were part of Ohio State championship run. Notre Dame, which ranked No. 2 before the title game, fell to fifth after losing to the Buckeyes.
As Ohio State prepares for 2025, the team will look to maintain its defensive dominance despite coaching changes, while Penn State hopes Knowles can replicate his success in Happy Valley.
