Key Ohio State defensive back puts off NFL Draft to remain with Buckeyes
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jordan Hancock emerged as arguably the single-most essential player on Ohio State football’s defense this past season.
He announced he will be back in that versatile role in 2023. Hancock is putting off the NFL Draft to stay for a fourth season, joining a growing movement on the Buckeye defense.
In a break from the trendy graphics and videos many players use for such announcements, Hancock made a simple statement via X: “Breaking news: Jordan Hancock will be returning for his senior year at Ohio State.”
Hancock was the third Buckeye to announce he will be back in 2024 on Thursday, joining cornerback Denzel Burke and left guard Donovan Jackson.
Hancock opened the season as a crucial third solid cornerback behind starters Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun. Eventually he transitioned to also playing nickel corner on passing downs, further enhancing the defense’s coverage.
Late in the season, when starting safety Lathan Ransom’s injury forced Sonny Styles to move to bandit, Hancock essentially took over nickel full time.
Hancock recorded 41 tackles with two sacks, two interceptions and four pass breakups. In the Cotton Bowl against Missouri he helped keep star receiver Luther Burden contained to 15 yards on three receptions.
The former top-75 prospect was expected to contribute significantly in 2022, but a preseason hamstring injury cost him the first half of the season and hampered him for the second. The breakthrough came in 2023 and set the stage for more in 2024.
