Ryan Day expects a top-10 defense. Jim Knowles expects better from his unit.

“We expect a top-10 defense,” Day said at last month’s Big Ten Media Days. “That’s what we want.”

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Knowles, the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator, was disappointed that Day didn’t set the expectations higher.

“I wish he would have said top 5,” Knowles told reporters Tuesday. “That’s what we expect.”

The expectations at Ohio State factored in Knowles’ decision to leave Oklahoma State and join Day’s staff in Columbus.

“It’s great to be at The Ohio State because the expectations are high and that’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Last season, Knowles’ Oklahoma State unit finished No. 4 in total defense (297.9 yards per game) and No. 9 in scoring defense (18.1 points per game). The combination of Ohio State’s talent and Knowles’ scheme may get the Buckeyes in the top 5 for 2022.