Breaking News; Ohio State Faces New Challenges: Coach’s Leave, Key Departures, and Defensive Shakeups After National Championship Win

The Ohio State Buckeyes have plenty to celebrate after their recent victory over Notre Dame, securing a 34-23 win in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Since then, the program has received positive news, including confirmation that star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will return for next season, despite lucrative NIL offers to transfer. Additionally, a long-term contract extension for head coach Ryan Day seems to be in the works.

However, Ohio State is not without its challenges. According to Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch, defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger has been placed on paid administrative leave while under investigation by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity. The investigation, which began last month, concerns possible allegations of harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct. Kaufman reports that a letter from Ohio State’s human resources department, dated December 27, notified Lyberger of the immediate leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Lyberger, who is in his fourth year with the Buckeyes and works mainly with the linebackers, has not been accused of any specific wrongdoing. His attorney has stated they take the allegations seriously and are prepared to defend Lyberger. During his leave, Lyberger is prohibited from accessing Ohio State’s athletic facilities.

This situation adds to the challenges facing the Buckeyes’ defense. Ohio State recently lost defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Big Ten rival Penn State, and the team is facing significant turnover on the defensive side of the ball. Several key players, including defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, cornerback Denzel Burke, safeties Lathan Ransom, Sonny Styles, and Jordan Hancock, along with linebacker Cody Simon, are all declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. In addition, several other players, such as defensive lineman Hero Kanu, defensive end Mitchell Melton, cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt, safety Jayden Bonsu, and linebacker Gabe Powers, have entered the transfer portal.

While Ohio State has enjoyed success on the field recently, these off-field developments signal significant challenges ahead for the program.