LOS ANGELES – When Lathan Ransom arrived in California on Sunday for Ohio State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal, the senior safety said he felt a swirl of emotions.
Ransom is happy to be playing close to his native Arizona home with many relatives and friends able to attend. He is excited to be an integral part of the Buckeyes’ top-ranked defense as it plays No. 1 Oregon.
Perhaps most of all, he’s grateful to have another chance to play in the Rose Bowl. Three years ago there, he suffered a gruesome injury when he broke both his left fibula and tibia covering a kickoff in Ohio State’s wild 48-45 victory over Utah.
“It’s full circle for me to come back,” Ransom said. “It’s been a long journey, a lot of ups and downs. I’m just appreciative for everything I’ve learned about myself. I’m really embracing and enjoying the whole moment.”
That Rose Bowl injury was the most serious of several he’s had at Ohio State. His 2023 season ended prematurely because of a Lisfranc foot injury.
But he has been healthy this year and has teamed with All-American Caleb Downs and Jordan Hancock to give the Buckeyes elite play at safety. The Buckeyes haven’t allowed a passing touchdown since the 32-31 loss to Oregon on Oct. 12.
Though Ransom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in voting by the league’s coaches, he has been largely overshadowed by Downs. That doesn’t bother him. In fact, he called Downs his closest friend on the team.
“It doesn’t really matter to me,” he said of recognition. “All that matters to me is how the team does. I didn’t come back for (a final season) to hear about myself. I came back, like all the other seniors did, for bigger reasons − to get here and get into this Rose Bowl and continue to play the season.”
Ohio State’s defense will have to be at its best against Oregon, which has a high-powered offense led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
“It’s going to take a great team effort to slow their defense down, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Ransom said. “We’re definitely different (than in October). We’ve learned a lot from our wins and losses. We’re excited for the challenge and we’re excited for the moment.”
That he can do it at the Rose Bowl makes it even more special.
“I can’t wait to breathe in that West Coast air before the game,” Ransom said. “It’s a lot of deja vu, a lot of similarities from the first time we were here (three years ago). I don’t know the emotion I’m going to feel when I get back on that field, but I’m excited to be here.
“I feel God has put me through that stuff for a reason, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and a lot from that moment.”
Even if Ransom doesn’t get as much acclaim as some of his teammates, those within the program know his value.
“Awesome, awesome young man,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “Great leader. He’s just one of those guys that is why you get into coaching – to be a part of that kind of career.
“Lathan has had adversity injury-wise on the field, and he is finishing strong. He really is. Our players have the utmost respect for him, and I expect that he’s going to have a great (finish) to his career.”
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