Winning a National Championship to cap off a comeback season after injury must have been an incredible feeling for Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom. Their defense took it to a new level in the College Football Playoff, a defense that Ransom feels runs through safety play.
“I feel like our defense is safety-based; they ask a lot of us to play the run and the pass.”
Turning on the tape shows the same story: Ransom is one of the best safeties in this class in run support and he proved this repeatedly throughout the 2024 season. While talking, Ransom continued to light up when talking about his experience, coaches, and teammates. He loves football and the relationships he made along the way, and it was special to witness that show through in the way he talks and appreciates the journey.
He talks about how whichever team drafts him is getting a competitor who will do anything the team needs him to do with selfless intent. That shows up in the versatility he’s showcased throughout his career. From playing nickel to begin with and then moving around the back end at both safety positions to blocking punts on special teams, Ransom has a long list of contributions he can help make for any team. He mentioned being as versatile as possible multiple times, which shows you the selfless nature he’ll take to the NFL and do whatever they need him to.
Ohio State S Lathan Ransom #8 might be one of the most underrated players in the 2025 Draft Class. His instincts, football IQ, and ability to tackle in space pop off the screen. Quick trigger on the toss play, and the tackle couldn't reach Ransom before he blew up the play pic.twitter.com/Iu81smS5sU
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) December 27, 2024
He’s well known for his impact against the run and mentioned Kaleb Johnson, Dylan Sampson, and Jordan James as a couple of running backs he played against, which he helped limit in a large capacity. Ransom stands on the film from those games to show his ability to stop top-level running backs, and it’s hard to argue otherwise.
Ransom talked a lot about getting to play with Caleb Downs and how they pushed each other to be better in practice and the film room, growing that relationship helped both guys and he’s excited to see what the future holds for Downs. Every player has areas for improvement, and Ransom talked about how he hasn’t mastered anything yet. He’s always looking for ways to improve and be a sponge.
Lathan Ransom (#8) is a heat seeking missile at the Safety spot.
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 16, 2025
2024 Stats: 76 tackles, 1 interception, 1 sack, and 3 forced fumbles
PFF Grades: 93.5 Run Defense, 85.4 Pass Rush, and 66.3 Coverage pic.twitter.com/KcGiPnP25Z
He plays the game quickly and attributes that to being well-studied, always watching tape, asking questions, and crediting his coaches with putting him in great positions throughout his career. Fighting back from his injury and playing at the level he did in 2024 is a testament to the determination, hard work, and seriousness with which he takes everything about the game he loves. He plans on doing all the drills here at the NFL Combine, showing everyone the versatile playmaker that he is. After listening to his interviews and watching his tape, it’s clear he’s on the right path to being a player these teams will love talking to and having in the building.
