The Ohio State Buckeyes have had plenty to celebrate over the last week-plus after knocking off Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Since then, the Buckeyes have seemingly gotten confirmation that both star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will be returning to Columbus next season despite having lucrative NIL offers to enter the transfer portal, and it appears a new lucrative, long-term contract extension is in the works for head coach Ryan Day.
However, not everything is smooth sailing for Ohio State. According to Joey Kaufamn of the Columbus Dispatch, defensive quality control coach Joe Lyberger has been placed on paid administrative leave whi
le being investigated by the school’s Office of Institutional Equity’s.
“Lyberger [was placed] on administrative leave last month amid an investigation by the university office that handles complaints of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct,” Kaufman said. “A letter to Lyberger from human resources on Dec. 27 said his leave was to take effect immediately and pending the Office of Institutional Equity’s investigation.” Lyberger, who works primarily with OSU’s linebackers, is four years into his tenure with Ohio State.
Though no details are known about what Lyberger has been accused of, his attorney released a statement stating they’re taking the allegations seriously and embrace the opportunity to defend themselves.
While on leave, Lyberger isn’t allowed at Ohio State’s athletic facilities. Lyberger being investigated is just the latest blow to the Buckeyes’ defense.
The team lost defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Big Ten rival Penn State days ago, and OSU is losing several key players for next season. Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, cornerback Denzel Burke, safeties Lathan Ransom, Sonny Styles, Jordan Hancock, and linebacker Cody Simon are all departing for the 2025 NFL draft, while a handful of players including defensive lineman Hero Kanu, defensive end Mitchell Melton, cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt, safety Jayden Bonsu, and linebacker Gabe Powers entered the transfer portal. Despite all of the recent departures, Day appears to have a plan in mind for patching together next year’s defensive unit.
“We’ll put this next group of guys together and figure it out because these guys deserve opportunity for what they’ve done,” Day said. “This coaching staff has done an unbelievable job. There’s a lot of guys in different positions, and whether it’s promotions or whatever it might be, they deserve those things.”
