Ohio State's Unsung Star Beams with Confidence Ahead of Cotton Bowl Classic

The Ohio State Buckeyes came into the 2025 season soaring high off their 2024 National Championship, but knowing the climb back was going to be much harder this time.

This was due to the program having to replace 15 total starters on their defense, eight of which came from the defensive side of the football.

Of those eight defenders, Ohio State was replacing all four of its defensive linemen, who all ended up getting drafted in the NFL Draft.

Everyone knew that on the edges the Buckeyes would be just fine, but on the interior, there was major question marks. Then, on the first day of fall camp, Eddrick Houston injured his knee, and the level of concern heightened. 

However, the door was now wide open for Kayden McDonald. The 6-foot-3 junior took full advantage of his opportunity. 

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He is impossible to miss on the field because he is a legit problem for opposing offensive lines. At nearly 330 lbs., opposing offensive lines cannot move him, and he is constantly in the backfield. 

On the year, he has registered 57 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. McDonald has been so good this year that he was a unanimous selection to the AP First Team All-American Team. 

Heading into the Cotton Bowl, McDonald is feeling like he legitimately will not be blocked. 

"Miami, they are a good team... But, you know, it's all about us. I feel like preparation that I put in, I feel like I won't be blocked. So, whatever they got for us, we (are) coming."

A confident K Mac took the podium tonight. 😤

"The preparation I put in, I feel like, I won't be blocked. Whatever they (Miami) got for us, we coming." #Buckeyespic.twitter.com/5upiR6XLyY

— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) December 23, 2025

The Buckeyes are going to need McDonald to run free when head coach Ryan Day's squad face off against the Hurricanes on New Year's Eve. The strength of the Miami offense is absolutely their running game. Their quarterback, Carson Beck, has struggled in big-time games throughout his career, so the expectation is for running back Mark Fletcher Jr. to carry a big load for the 'Canes.

If they lean on Fletcher Jr. to try and push them to a win, it is going to be huge for McDonald to hold true to his word not to get blocked. 

McDonald, beside Houtson, Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, and several others who rotate throughout the Buckeyes' defensive line, have proven to be an X factor for Ohio State this season. Every game is won and lost on the lines of scrimmage, and the defense for Ohio State presents one of the best fronts in the entire country.