Ryan Day has confirmed that three significant contributors to Ohio State’s defense in 2021 will return for the upcoming season.

The Buckeyes head coach met with reporters on Monday, the first time he’s done so since Ohio State’s Rose Bowl win over Utah. Day said that defensive lineman Jerron Cage and linebackers Teradja Mitchell and Palaie Gaotoete will be back in Columbus for the 2022 campaign.

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With the NFL Draft deadline passing, that was expected to be the case but there had not been confirmation from Day on the matter. It gives the Buckeyes a nice boost of experience entering the next year.

Mitchell played in 12 games last season and totaled 45 tackles, including 4.5 for loss during an 11-2 campaign for the Buckeyes. Gaotoete made an appearance in 8 games and was credited with 9 stops and 0.5 sacks.

In 11 contests, Cage totaled 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss a sack and a fumble return for a touchdown.

All three will be under new guidance on the defensive side of the football. The Buckeyes have welcomed in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who led Oklahoma State’s standout defense a year ago.

Mitchell, Cag and Gaotoete will all be expected to have a bigger impact for Ohio State in 2022.