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Steele Chambers returning for fifth year, third as linebacker

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/15/22•

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Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers is coming back for the 2023 season. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State redshirt junior linebacker Steele Chambers is returning for a fifth year, and his third after switching over from running back.

Chambers revealed that decision Wednesday in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center when he was asked about his future.

“I’m coming back,” he said.

Chambers added: “I’ll be chilling here,” with a subtle smile.

Chambers — a former four-star running back recruit in the Class of 2019 from Roswell, Georgia — said a fifth year has always been his first option, particularly after his position switch.

“I just wanted three years under my belt at linebacker,” Chambers said. “I feel like I’ve progressed in just my knowledge of the game, but I think there’s just a lot more that I need to learn. I feel like I’m pretty premature as far as linebacker savviness.”

Chambers is second on the team this season with 69 total tackles, including 40 solos. He’s also posted six TFLs, two passes defended, 1.5 sacks, one interception and one scoop-and-score touchdown (the icing on the cake at Maryland). Chambers has played the second-most snaps — 626, per Pro Football Focus — of any Buckeyes linebacker this season in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ 4-2-5 system, behind only Tommy Eichenberg, a first-team All-American.

Chambers has climbed a rung in the PFF metrics this season, raising his run defense grade from 54.5 (2021) to 68.8 (2022) and his pass rushing grade from 68.3 (2021) to 70.5 (2022). His 13 pressures are good for eighth on the team.

Chambers has still struggled in coverage, allowing 23 catches on 29 targets, however, those receptions have gone for just 6.7 yards a pop, according to PFF.

Chambers started his career at Ohio State as a running back, but he played in just 11 games for the Buckeyes across 2019 and 2020 as a running back/special teamer.

He finished with 221 rushing yards on 28 carries, but Chambers has admitted to his fumbling problem that influenced his decision to make the change to linebacker ahead of the 2021 season.

It’s a decision that’s resulted in more playing time and an NFL future.

Chambers isn’t ready to start that future just yet, though.

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