Former Oklahoma State safety follows defensive coordinator to Ohio State

Former Oklahoma State safety Tanner McCalister has committed to Ohio State, according to his social media page. The former three-star recruit follows defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who moved from Oklahoma State to Ohio State last month after serving as defensive coordinator and safety coach.

Along with his commitment, Tanner McCalister posted two images in Ohio State gear with a message to fans.

“Already Written!” McCalister posted. “Excited to begin this new journey with (Ohio State football) let’s go!”

The 5-foot-11 senior was a two-year starter for Jim Knowles and the Cowboys, recording 123 tackles, 12 pass deflections and one interception over his four-year career. He joins an Ohio State secondary which looks to add more consistent play at safety for the 2022 season.

Ohio State lands Jim Knowles

The Ohio State Buckeyes were able to grab one of the hottest defensive coordinators on the market in Oklahoma State’s Jim Knowles. The Bryant Award finalist will be replacing Kerry Coombs after four seasons in Stillwater.

Knowles is a Cornell graduate who has made stops at his alma mater, Duke, Ole Miss, Western Michigan, and most recently Oklahoma State.

Former Duke head coach David Cutcliffe has long been a believer in the now Buckeye defensive coordinator, working with him at Ole Miss and Duke. With the SEC program, he served as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.

Knowles’ contract details with Ohio State have been released, securing a three-year contract the school released on Friday. The defensive coordinator will be making an average of $1.9 million a year or $5.7 million in total. The deal makes him the highest paid assistant coach in program history.

Since he took over in 2018, the Cowboys’ defenses have steadily improved under Knowles. During his first season in charge, they gave up an average of 32.5 points per game. This season, Knowles’ unit also has the best scoring defense in the Big 12 at 16.8 points per game and nearly got them a conference championship.

Schools such as Penn State were also looking to hire Knowles, along with Oklahoma State attempting to give him a contract extension. However, Ohio State came out on top, getting a much-needed rebrand on the defensive end for head coach Ryan Day.