Former Ohio State star makes major change heading into new chapter in 2025 season
The NFL’s biggest trade deadline deal of the 2024 season fell flat as injuries limited Marshon Lattimore’s availability with the Washington Commanders. While the deal made sense as Washington needed to bolster its defensive core in the short-term and future, the former Ohio State cornerback simply couldn’t provide the impact level he’s accustomed to.
He’s hoping a number change will spark better injury fortune in 2025 and beyond.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lattimore is turning back the clock by changing his number to No. 2 from No. 23. He wore No. 2 with the Buckeyes in 2015 and 2016.
With 15 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 409 tackles in his career, the four-time Pro Bowler is an impact addition for Washington. He hasn’t caught an interception this season, but the struggling Saints have failed well beyond Lattimore’s issues. The 28-year-old is entering Year 4 of his five-year extension but is out of guaranteed money now.
He had only four tackles but three pass breakups in two regular season games with Washington. He logged 15 tackles and two more pass breakups in three postseason games.
Lattimore’s time at Ohio State really showcased his talent as a defensive back and paved the way for a promising NFL career. He joined the Buckeyes in 2014 but redshirted his freshman year due to some injuries. After overcoming those hamstring issues, he burst onto the scene as a standout player during his redshirt sophomore season in 2016.
In that 2016 season, Lattimore became a key cornerback on one of the top college football defenses out there. With his agility, speed, and top-notch coverage skills, he quickly earned a reputation as a lockdown corner, often shutting down rival receivers and keeping big plays to a minimum.
He racked up four interceptions, including one that he took to the house, and added nine pass deflections, which helped him land a spot on the First-Team All-Big Ten list. His knack for reading quarterbacks and predicting routes made him a real threat in Ohio State’s secondary.
His standout performance didn’t go unnoticed, and before long, NFL scouts had their eyes on him. He declared for the 2017 NFL Draft and ended up being picked 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Even though his college days were relatively short, Lattimore definitely left his mark on the Buckeyes’ defense and is remembered as one of their top defensive backs, continuing Ohio State’s strong tradition of producing NFL-ready cornerbacks.
