Lathan Ransom Ohio State S: Defensive Standout Prepares for 2025 NFL Draft

Lathan Ransom has established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in college football during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 6’1″, 210-pound safety from Tucson, Arizona entered his senior season in 2024-25 after developing into a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ secondary. His combination of football intelligence, physicality in run support, and coverage skills have made him a legitimate NFL prospect. He is currently projected as a mid-round selection in the upcoming draft.

During his Ohio State career, Ransom has displayed versatility that NFL scouts covet, effectively playing both deep safety and in the box. The former Salpointe Catholic star has shown consistent improvement each season in Columbus, becoming particularly adept at diagnosing plays quickly and taking proper angles to the ball. His development under Ohio State’s coaching staff has transformed him from a promising recruit to a defensive leader who opposing offenses must account for on every snap.

What separates Ransom from many safety prospects is his balanced skill set—he’s neither just a big hitter nor merely a coverage specialist. Instead, he brings value in multiple phases of the game, including special teams where he’s made several impact plays for the Buckeyes. While not garnering the first-round buzz of some past Ohio State defensive backs, Ransom’s steady production and high football IQ have him positioned as one of the more reliable safety prospects in this draft class.

Early Years and High School Career

Lathan Ransom’s journey to becoming a standout safety began at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona. The 6’1″, 193-pound defensive back quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional playmaking ability and football IQ.

During his high school career, Ransom showcased remarkable defensive skills. He recorded 188 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 15 pass deflections over three years with the Lancers.

Recruiting services took notice of his talent. Ransom emerged as a 4-star prospect and was ranked as the fourth-best safety and No. 76 overall recruit in the class of 2020.

His high school performance revealed traits that would later define him at Ohio State: a highly instinctual defensive back with tremendous range. Scouts particularly noted his hard-hitting style and ability to cover significant ground in the defensive backfield.

Ransom’s combination of football intelligence, physical play, and coverage skills made him a coveted recruit. Top college programs pursued him, but the Arizona native ultimately committed to Ohio State, setting the stage for his collegiate career with the Buckeyes.

Recruitment and Commitment to Ohio State

Lathan Ransom emerged as one of the premier safety prospects in the 2020 recruiting class. The Tucson, Arizona native garnered attention from powerhouse programs across the country before narrowing his choices.

The four-star safety from Salpointe Catholic High School committed to Ohio State on July 16, 2019. His decision came after considering offers from several elite programs, with LSU being the other notable finalist.

Ransom’s addition to the Buckeyes’ 2020 class was significant. He became the 21st commitment in what was shaping up as a stellar recruiting haul for Ohio State.

Rankings at Commitment:

Metric	Ranking
National Overall	#76
Position (Safety)	#4
Arizona State Rank	#4

Recruiting analysts praised Ransom’s versatility in the secondary. His ability to play multiple positions made him particularly valuable to Ohio State’s defensive schemes.

The commitment represented another significant out-of-state recruiting win for the Buckeyes. Pulling a top-100 talent from Arizona demonstrated the program’s national recruiting reach under Ryan Day’s leadership.

Scouts projected Ransom as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level with NFL Draft upside. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the most coveted defensive backs in his class.

Freshman Season Highlights (2020)

Lathan Ransom arrived at Ohio State with significant expectations as a four-star safety recruit from Tucson, Arizona. Despite joining the Buckeyes during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Ransom managed to make his presence felt.

The freshman defensive back appeared in five games for Ohio State, primarily on special teams and in specific defensive packages. His playing time increased as the season progressed, showing the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities.

Ransom’s baptism by fire came in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson. In that crucial matchup, he delivered several key plays while being tasked with covering NFL-bound receivers.

Key 2020 Statistics:

Category	Total
Games Played	5
Tackles	6
Pass Breakups	1
Forced Fumbles	0
Special Teams Tackles	3

What stood out most about Ransom’s freshman campaign wasn’t the raw numbers but his ability to handle pressure situations. The coaching staff trusted him in critical moments against elite competition, a rare vote of confidence for a first-year player.

His performance against Clemson showcased his coverage skills and football IQ, traits that would become hallmarks of his Ohio State career.

Despite limited opportunities, NFL scouts noted Ransom’s closing speed and instinctive play recognition. These attributes, combined with his 6’1″ frame, began establishing him as a potential future draft prospect.

Sophomore Impact (2021)

Lathan Ransom’s sophomore campaign proved pivotal in his development as a defensive back at Ohio State. He emerged as a significant contributor on defense and special teams while showcasing the versatility that would eventually make him a standout in the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Improvement in Tackles and Fumbles

Ransom made impressive strides during his sophomore season, finishing third among defensive backs with 38 total tackles. This marked substantial growth from his freshman year and demonstrated his increasing comfort within the defensive system.

His impact wasn’t limited to just routine tackles. Ransom began displaying his knack for creating turnovers, a skill that would become his calling card in later seasons. His ball-hawking abilities and physical play started to emerge as he gained more playing time.

2021 also saw Ransom contributing at a high level as a special teamer, showing his willingness to impact the game in multiple facets. This versatility caught the coaches’ attention and earned him more defensive snaps as the season progressed.

Notable Games and Performances

Despite beginning the season in a limited role, Ransom forced his way onto the field with standout performances in key matchups. His ability to match up against slot receivers and tight ends while maintaining physicality in run support made him an increasingly valuable defensive piece.

Unfortunately, Ransom’s promising sophomore campaign ended on a painful note when he broke his tibia and fibula during the 2022 Rose Bowl. This devastating injury would require significant rehabilitation heading into his junior season.

Before the injury, Ransom had seemed destined to play free safety for the Buckeyes, but his sophomore film showcased versatility that suggested he could excel in multiple roles within the secondary.

2021 Season Statistics:

Category	Total
Tackles	38
TFLs	2
Pass Breakups	4
Games Played	13

Junior Year Advancements (2022)

Lathan Ransom’s junior season marked a significant leap forward in his collegiate career with the Buckeyes. His on-field presence expanded dramatically before being interrupted by injury challenges that would test his resilience.

Increased Role and Team Contributions

Ransom emerged as a defensive cornerstone for Ohio State in 2022, recording an impressive 74 tackles on the season. This nearly doubled his production from the previous year, demonstrating his growing impact in the secondary.

The Tucson, Arizona native displayed exceptional versatility, shifting between deep safety and nickel coverage with remarkable fluidity. His football IQ became increasingly evident as he correctly diagnosed plays pre-snap and positioned himself for maximum effectiveness.

Ransom’s ball-hawking abilities made quarterbacks think twice before challenging his zone. His combination of size (6’2″, 200 pounds) and athleticism allowed him to match up effectively against both tight ends and slot receivers.

2022 Season Stats	Total
Tackles	74
Pass Breakups	7
Interceptions	1
Forced Fumbles	1

Injury and Recovery

Ransom’s momentum was temporarily halted when he suffered a significant foot injury late in the season. The setback required careful medical attention and a structured rehabilitation program.

Despite the obvious disappointment, Ransom approached his recovery with the same intensity he showed on the field. He worked diligently with Ohio State’s medical staff to ensure proper healing while minimizing long-term impact.

The injury experience, while challenging, provided Ransom with valuable perspective on football mortality and the importance of maximizing every opportunity. His determination through the recovery process spoke volumes about his character and commitment to the program.

NFL scouts took note of both his impressive on-field performance and his professional approach to injury rehabilitation. These qualities, combined with his physical tools, began positioning him as a potential Day 2 NFL draft selection.

Senior Season Expectations (2023)

Lathan Ransom returned to Ohio State for his senior season with much anticipated growth both on and off the field. His decision to stay at Ohio State rather than enter the 2023 NFL draft set expectations high for his contribution to the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Ransom stepped into a crucial leadership role for the Buckeyes in 2023. He was expected to guide younger teammates while elevating his own performance. As one of the more experienced players in Ohio State’s secondary, Ransom was expected to guide younger teammates while elevating his own performance.

His presence in the defensive backfield provided stability and continuity for a unit looking to improve upon previous seasons. Teammates frequently mentioned Ransom’s communication skills during spring practices, highlighting his ability to direct traffic in the secondary. His presence in the defensive backfield provided stability and continuity for a unit looking to improve upon previous seasons.

The safety took his responsibilities seriously. He often stayed after practice to work with underclassmen on technique and positioning. The safety took his responsibilities seriously, often staying after practice to work with underclassmen on technique and positioning.

Coaches praised his football IQ and ability to translate film study to on-field adjustments. Coaches praised his football IQ and ability to translate film study to on-field adjustments.

Ransom’s dedication to team culture was evident in how he approached team meetings and preparation. He emphasized accountability among defensive backs, setting a standard that resonated throughout the defense. Ransom’s dedication to team culture was evident in how he approached team meetings and preparation.

Preseason Training and Conditioning

Ransom attacked the 2023 offseason with remarkable intensity, focusing on increasing his play speed and reaction time. His conditioning regimen included specialized drills to improve his coverage skills and tackling technique.

NFL scouts noted his dedication to strength training. Ransom added approximately 8 pounds of muscle while maintaining his quickness. NFL scouts noted his dedication to strength training, with Ransom adding approximately 8 pounds of muscle while maintaining his quickness. This physical development was designed to help him better withstand the rigors of a full season.

Area of Focus	Improvement Goal	Training Method
Tackling	Reduce missed tackles by 15%	Form tackling circuits
Coverage	Improve zone recognition	Film study + live reps
Strength	Add upper body power	Olympic lifting program
Durability	Prevent injuries	Flexibility/mobility work

Unfortunately, Ransom’s senior campaign would later be cut short by a season-ending non-contact injury against Wisconsin in late October. The injury was later identified as a Lisfranc issue, adding to his history of lower-body injuries that would become a consideration for his future NFL prospects.

Game Statistics and Performance Analysis

Lathan Ransom’s statistical profile reveals a safety with exceptional versatility and consistency. His numbers tell the story of a defensive back who impacts games in multiple ways, whether at home or on the road, against top competition or lesser opponents.

Tackling Efficiency and Coverage Skills

Ransom has established himself as one of the most instinctual defensive backs in college football. During the 2023 season, he recorded 68 total tackles, including 47 solo stops, showcasing his ability to finish plays. Ransom has established himself as one of the most instinctual defensive backs in college football.

His tackle efficiency rate of 91.2% ranks among the top 15 safeties nationally. In coverage, Ransom has been equally impressive. He tallied 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups last season, allowing just a 65.3 passer rating when targeted – a testament to his coverage skills.

Category	2023 Stats	Big Ten Rank
Total Tackles	68	7th (safeties)
Solo Tackles	47	5th (safeties)
INTs	3	T-4th
PBUs	8	6th

His versatility in the secondary has NFL scouts projecting him as a potential chess piece at the next level.

Split Stats: Wins vs. Losses

The disparity in Ransom’s performance metrics between Ohio State’s wins and losses highlights his impact on game outcomes. In victories, he averaged 5.8 tackles per game with an impressive 2.1 defensive stops.

In the Buckeyes’ limited losses, his tackle numbers jumped to 7.2 per game, indicating increased defensive pressure. However, his coverage metrics declined slightly in defeats, with a 72.1 passer rating when targeted compared to 61.8 in wins.

Against top-25 opponents, Ransom elevated his play, recording 6.7 tackles per game and forcing two turnovers. This ability to perform against elite competition is why scouts view him as a potential impact player at the next level.

Home vs. Road Performance

Ransom’s performance metrics show remarkable consistency regardless of venue. At Ohio Stadium, he averaged 5.9 tackles per game with a 90.8% tackle efficiency rate. His coverage skills shined brightest at home, allowing just 4.2 yards per target.

On the road, his numbers remained strong with 6.1 tackles per game and a slightly lower but still impressive 89.5% tackle efficiency rate. His game-by-game logs reveal his most dominant road performance came against Penn State, where he recorded 8 tackles and a crucial interception.

His ability to maintain performance levels away from Columbus demonstrates a mental toughness that NFL evaluators prize. Currently ranked as the #17 safety prospect with a 4.53 forty time, Ransom projects as a day two selection in the upcoming NFL draft.

Big Ten Conference Impact

Lathan Ransom established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the Big Ten, earning significant recognition for his contributions to Ohio State’s defense. His versatility and playmaking ability made him a standout performer in conference play.

Performance in Conference Games

Ransom’s impact in Big Ten matchups was consistently impressive throughout his Ohio State career. As a safety, he demonstrated exceptional skill in both pass coverage and run support against conference opponents.

In the 2023 season, Ransom earned Honorable mention all-Big Ten Conference honors, showcasing his value to the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme. His performances helped anchor Ohio State’s secondary against potent Big Ten offenses.

What stands out most about Ransom is his alignment versatility, which gave Ohio State’s defensive coordinators significant flexibility. He thrived as an eighth man in the box or big nickel defender, positions that allowed him to impact both the run and pass game.

Season	Conference Games	Tackles	INTs	PBUs	TFLs
2023	9	47	2	5	3.5
2024	9	51	3	7	4.0

Impact Against Ranked Teams

When facing the Big Ten’s elite programs, Ransom elevated his game accordingly. His performance against ranked conference opponents demonstrated why he earned first-team all-Big Ten Conference recognition from the coaches in 2024.

Ransom’s ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays became particularly evident in high-stakes matchups. His coverage skills and physicality near the line of scrimmage proved crucial when Ohio State faced ranked Big Ten opponents.

Beyond his on-field impact, Ransom also contributed to team chemistry. Following a November victory against Purdue, he even helped the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the program’s future.

NFL scouts have taken notice of his performance against top competition, projecting him as a mid-round selection with potential to rise based on his proven ability to perform against high-caliber offenses in the Big Ten.

Post-Season Achievements and Honors

Lathan Ransom’s career at Ohio State is marked by several notable bowl game appearances and postseason achievements. The Tucson, Arizona native has established himself as one of the Buckeyes’ key defensive players during his time in Columbus.

Ransom participated in the 2021 Sugar Bowl as part of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run. That same season, he also competed in the 2021 CFP National Championship game, gaining valuable experience on college football’s biggest stage.

The safety’s postseason resume continued to grow with appearances in the 2022 Rose Bowl and the 2022 Peach Bowl. His contributions helped the Buckeyes remain competitive in these high-profile matchups.

Most recently, Ransom participated in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, adding another prestigious bowl game to his impressive collection of postseason experiences.

NFL Draft Outlook

Category	Rating	Notes
Position Ranking	Top 10 Safety	Good size at 6’1″, 210 lbs
Projected Round	3-4	Solid tackler with coverage skills
Key Strengths	Field Awareness, Tackling	Versatile defensive back

NFL scouts appreciate Ransom’s combination of size and athleticism. His experience in multiple College Football Playoff games and major bowls demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure – a quality teams value highly.

Ransom’s development at Ohio State has prepared him well for professional football, with his postseason performances serving as a strong foundation for his NFL aspirations.

Injury Concerns and Rehabilitation

Lathan Ransom’s Ohio State career has been marked by significant injuries that tested his resilience and determination. His journey through recovery showcases both the physical and mental challenges elite athletes face when dealing with serious setbacks.

Lisfranc Tear and Surgery

Ransom suffered one of the most devastating injuries of his career during the 2022 Rose Bowl against Utah. He broke both his left fibula and tibia while covering a kickoff in what turned into a wild 48-45 contest. The injury was immediately recognized as serious, with medical staff rushing to the field.

The diagnosis revealed a complex Lisfranc injury requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Doctors inserted screws and plates to stabilize the broken bones in his leg. This type of injury is particularly challenging for defensive backs, who rely heavily on rapid direction changes and explosive movements.

Medical experts initially questioned whether Ransom would be able to return to his previous form, as Lisfranc injuries can be career-altering for skill position players.

Physical Therapy and Return to Play

Ransom’s rehabilitation process was intense and methodical. He spent months working with Ohio State’s medical staff, gradually progressing from basic movement exercises to football-specific drills. His determination through this period was remarkable, as he overcame both injuries and coaching changes during his Buckeye career.

The safety’s comeback story became one of the most inspiring narratives of Ohio State’s defense. From what teammates described as a “traumatizing” injury, Ransom emerged as one of the most important players on a much-improved Buckeyes defense.

More recently, Ransom has dealt with another undisclosed injury, causing him to miss the game against Nebraska in 2024. This latest setback raised concerns among NFL scouts about his durability, though his technique and football IQ continue to keep him on draft boards as a potential mid-round selection.

Career Potential and Professional Prospects

Lathan Ransom has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The physically imposing Ohio State defensive back stands at 6’1″, 210 pounds and has caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Ransom’s greatest strength lies in his run support capabilities. He thrives when playing near the line of scrimmage and delivers massive hitting power that sets the tone for the defense.

Teams looking for a strong safety with a physical presence will find Ransom appealing. While his coverage skills have some limitations, his five-year career with the Buckeyes has given him valuable experience against top-tier competition.

Current NFL Draft Projection:

Metric	Rating
Overall Draft Ranking	112-130
Position Ranking	6-8 (Safety)
Round Projection	3rd-4th
Best Scheme Fit	Strong Safety in Box-Heavy System

NFL teams that emphasize physical play and run support from their safeties will value Ransom most. His ability to deliver punishing hits makes him an ideal fit for defenses that utilize their safeties near the line of scrimmage.

The senior from Tucson, Arizona has developed significantly during his time at Ohio State. With proper coaching at the next level, he could become a reliable starter for an NFL defense that maximizes his strengths.

Teams like Pittsburgh, Seattle, and New England, who traditionally value physical safeties, could target Ransom in the middle rounds of the 2025 draft.

Off-Field Interests and Community Involvement

Lathan Ransom has established himself as a player who understands the platform college athletics provides for community impact. The Ohio State safety doesn’t just talk about giving back—he makes it happen.

Ransom has been vocal about his desire to give back to the Columbus community, recognizing the influence he carries as a Buckeye football player. His community service efforts have become as much a part of his Ohio State legacy as his on-field accomplishments.

The Tucson native brings the same intensity to his off-field endeavors as he does to playing safety. His commitment to service comes from a genuine place, not obligation.

Teammates often describe Ransom as a unifying presence in the locker room. This team-first mentality translates naturally to his community work, where he prioritizes making meaningful connections.

Ransom’s Community Initiatives:

• Youth football clinics
• Local hospital visits
• Columbus-area school reading programs

When he’s not studying game film or volunteering, Ransom enjoys simple downtime activities that help maintain his mental balance during the grueling season. This well-rounded approach has made him a respected figure within the program.

His journey from Tucson to potential national champion has kept him grounded, never forgetting the communities that shaped him along the way.