Ohio State cornerback Igbinosun to return in '25

Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun will return to Ohio State in 2025, he told ESPN, a big boost to a Buckeyes defense that could see eight players drafted this spring.

Igbinosun did not file paperwork to enter the NFL Draft, which was due on Friday for OSU and Notre Dame players.

“I’m coming back to school to be a first-round draft pick,” he told ESPN.

Igbinosun is a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention cornerback who has been a two-year starter since transferring from Ole Miss. He said the allure of being more of a leader next year was a big part in his return, as he’ll be one of the most experienced members of the OSU defense.

Igbinosun had 9 passes break-ups, 2 interceptions and a recovered fumble for the Buckeyes this year on the school’s run to the national title. He’ll again be a linchpin of Ohio State’s defense next year, as OSU projects to return three full-time defensive starters from the national title team.

He said he decided to return after talking over his decision with coach Ryan Day, corners coach Tim Walton and his mother.

“I get the opportunity to lead and do it all over again,” he said, “and have a bigger role as a leader, as more is going to be expected of me as a senior.”

Igbinosun has all the tangibles the NFL is looking for, as he’s flashed top-end speed and good instincts. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, he has the body type for a long NFL corner.

But the obvious flaw in his game has been penalties, as he’s considered the most penalized cornerback in college football this year. He was flagged 16 times in coverage.

“I want to improve on the penalties,” he said. “I had too many, I want to clean that up.”