Better Know a Buckeye: Jay Timmons’ Versatility and Big-Play Ability Gives Him Chance to Play Early and Often in Ohio State’s Secondary

One of the fastest-rising players in the cycle, Jay Timmons is one of three five-star recruits in Ohio State's 2026 class and became a top-three cornerback in the cycle after an impressive senior season.

Background

Ohio State's interest in Timmons came a bit late in the process. When the cornerback received an offer from the Buckeyes in September 2025, he had already been committed to Florida State – where his dad, Lawrence, was a star linebacker – for nearly three months. After initially committing to Indiana last April, the Pennsylvania native flipped his commitment to the Seminoles that June.

That said, once OSU showed interest, Timmons immediately became a top priority for the Buckeyes.

"When the best team in the nation offers you, I know I’m doing something right,” Timmons told Rivals' Steve Wiltfong about the OSU offer. “It’s just a sign to keep pushing."

He made an official visit to Columbus for the Penn State game on Nov. 1 and five days later, committed to the Buckeyes, flipping from his dad's alma mater.

In May 2025, Timmons was ranked in the 400s in the 247Sports composite rankings. Following his senior season, he climbed to No. 131 in the rankings. In February, he earned his five-star status as the 24th-ranked player in the class.

As a junior, his first season as a starter, the two-way star totaled 42 tackles, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions and three forced fumbles while also snagging 40 catches for 755 yards and eight touchdowns. He led Pine-Richland to an 11-2 record and a WPIAL 5A championship as a member of the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 in 2024.

In his senior campaign, Timmons notched 37 tackles (five TFL), nine pass breakups and one sack. He also caught 35 passes for 637 yards and 10 touchdowns and had 18 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns while leading Pine-Richland to the WPIAL 5A championship game.

VIDEO: Class of 2026 four-star defensive back commit Jay Timmons is delivering big hits on opposing offensive players.

Jays father (Lawrence) previously played linebacker for the Seminoles from 2004-2006. #GoNoles #NoleFamily #jaytimmons pic.twitter.com/3WvJZZjWZ0

— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) August 17, 2025

Scouting Report

Timmons’ instincts and speed play a crucial role in his ability to make big-time plays, cause turnovers and tackle players at the point of attack. Pair that with his eyes and IQ, and he flies around the secondary because he trusts what he sees, both on the field and in film work. Timmons' ballhawking ability often led to interceptions or pass breakups in high school, and although he's only 5-11 and 185 pounds, he’s shown he can turn a big hit into a turnover as well.

Timmons excelled in both zone and man coverage in high school, showing the ability to line up anywhere in the secondary as he played safety, slot cornerback and outside cornerback.

Depth Chart Outlook

While Timmons can play both on the outside and at nickel, the slot is where he will likely begin his Ohio State career, as it's the most likely path to the field for Timmons as a freshman. Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr., who played safety in Tallahassee but is expected to play nickel at OSU, will hold the top spot in the depth chart. Still, Timmons could very well be in the second spot in the slot on the two-deep to begin his first season as a Buckeye.

In formations where Ohio State uses six defensive backs, Timmons could be on the field in those situations, competing for playing time with fellow freshman Jordan Thomas, Alabama transfer Cam Calhoun and redshirt sophomore Miles Lockhart, among others. He could also earn early playing time on special teams, where his speed and eye for the football could allow him to be an outstanding gunner early on.

Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez are the favorites to start at cornerback to begin the 2026 season, but Timmons has the tools to compete for a top backup spot right away. Once Mathews and Little take their talents to the NFL following the 2026 season, Timmons could very well be a starter in Ohio State’s secondary as a sophomore in 2027.

Player Comparison: Shaun Wade

Wade started his Ohio State career in the slot before transitioning to the outside, the same path Timmons could very well take as a Buckeye to get early playing time in Columbus.

While Wade is a little bigger than Timmons at 6-1 and 196 pounds, his skill set and versatility compare well to the Buckeyes’ newest five-star cornerback.

The No. 17 overall prospect in the 2017 class, Wade broke out as a redshirt freshman for the Buckeyes, totaling 31 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups and one forced fumble in 2018. In three seasons in Columbus, he notched 91 tackles (five TFL), two sacks, six interceptions (one pick-six), 19 pass breakups and two forced fumbles, starring at slot cornerback for Ohio State’s top-ranked 2019 defense before moving to outside cornerback in 2020.

Wade was the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and an All-American in his final season as a Buckeye, and Timmons has the talent to reach similar heights by the end of his Ohio State career.