A key cog in Ohio State's secondary is back for one final campaign.
Jordan Hancock, the Buckeyes' starting nickel, will return to Columbus and play out his senior season following a breakout junior campaign, he announced Wednesday.
Breaking News: Jordan Hancock will be returning for his senior year at Ohio State
— Jordan Hancock (@jordanhancock_) January 10, 2024
Hancock collected 41 tackles with two sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a pick-six, in 2023.
JORDAN HANCOCK PICK SIX pic.twitter.com/3n2xvYDmN4
— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) November 4, 2023
Hancock started the season rotating with Sonny Styles at the nickel position in the Buckeyes' defense, taking the field against offenses with more receivers on the field as a coverage option.
Soon, his play proved too valuable to keep off the field and he started to see his snaps increase against Western Kentucky in Week 3, when he played 50. He took over the nickel spot full-time following an injury to Lathan Ransom against Wisconsin in Week 8.
After missing most of the 2022 season with an injury, Hancock’s play in 2023 gave him reason to consider entering the 2024 NFL draft. In the end, though, Hancock decided to join many of his fellow juniors in staying for another season.
He'll join Denzel Burke, who also announced his return to Ohio State on Wednesday, and Davison Igbinosun as returning starters in Ohio State's cornerback room for 2024.
Hancock joins a group of Buckeye standouts returning for their senior year that also includes defensive linemen Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams and left guard Donovan Jackson. Ohio State is still awaiting decisions from running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and defensive end JT Tuimoloau.
