The Rose Bowl lights were still shimmering when the fireworks on the field turned into sparklers. Ohio State’s emphatic 41-21 victory over Oregon was supposed to mark a moment of redemption for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, a game that restored their national championship hopes and quieted critics. But thanks to a postgame remark from Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, the tension between two powerhouse programs found a way to escalate off the turf and into the social media stratosphere, which became personal for this No. 1 high school CB in the nation.

Dan Lanning, whose Ducks were handed their first loss of the season in brutal fashion, appeared to take a parting shot at Day’s Ohio State in his post-match press conference in Pasadena. “You know, sometimes it’s not our day. And I think that was us today,” Lanning admitted before adding a sly jab. “And it wasn’t their day against Michigan.” The reference to the Buckeyes’ regular-season loss to their bitter rival landed like a verbal cheap shot, sparking outrage among Ohio State’s faithful.

And the first one to respond was North Shore Mustangs’ Devin Sanchez, the nation’s No. 1 high school cornerback and a prized Buckeye commit, who took care of business—and he did so with the same swagger that makes him a force on the gridiron.

Devin Sanchez enjoyed his college’s win from the sidelines alongside other elite Buckeyes recruits eager to replicate that success next season. And the cornerback didn’t mince words after the win. He posted Lanning’s comment on his Instagram story and then dropped his own sharp retort: “brought up the wrong L 😂😂 we still playin 😂😂.” It was a mic-drop moment that should resonate with Columbus.

The 5-star recruit out of Houston wasn’t just defending his future team; he was setting the tone for what could be a budding rivalry. And let’s be clear, Sanchez wasn’t wrong—while the Ducks’ season ended in Pasadena, the Buckeyes were gearing up for their semifinal clash.

The young corner’s response speaks to the culture that Ryan Day has cultivated in Columbus. This is a program that thrives on resilience, a team that turned a midseason loss into fuel for a playoff run. Ohio State dominated the trenches, executed flawless defensive schemes, and showcased an offense led by the greatest freshman WR Smith, that looked like it belonged in the big league. For Sanchez, who will soon be part of that ecosystem, it was proof that he made the right choice. “It’s the kind of program where you win with pride, not excuses,” Sanchez once said about the Buckeyes. His clapback showed he’s already bought into that ethos.

The Oregon HC’s comment seemed out of character—or at least out of line. Known for his candid nature, he’s also a coach who has built Oregon into a contender through a blend of swagger and discipline. But his words in Pasadena felt less like swagger and more like sour grapes, especially considering the Ducks’ own missed opportunities in the game.

Oregon’s inability to contain Ohio State’s explosive offense and their struggles in key third-down situations made the outcome inevitable. To bring up Ohio State’s loss to Michigan at that moment was, at best, unnecessary; at worst, it was inflammatory.

The Houston native is as confident off the field as he is dominant on it. His playmaking instincts are insane, and his footwork is elite. No wonder he’s the top-ranked cornerback in his class. Watching him embrace the Ohio State culture before even stepping on campus is a testament to how seamlessly he’ll fit into Day’s system. And you can easily spot him on the field now as he’s rocking his signature digit.

Spot Devin Sanchez clapping back on the field

The Ohio State Buckeyes kicked off the New Year with style, welcoming their 2025 recruits in a big way. Early enrollers not only got to soak in the electric atmosphere of the Rose Bowl but also debuted their new jersey numbers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Among them was five-star cornerback and Navy All-American Bowl invitee Devin Sanchez, who made sure Buckeye Nation knew he was ready to shine. He made it easy for everyone to spot him trolling receivers this time.

Before the game against Oregon, Sanchez treated his Instagram followers to a picture-perfect sneak peek. His Ohio State jersey—rocking the iconic scarlet and white with a bold #4—was draped with an unmistakable aura, almost glowing under the lights. No words were needed; the image alone said it all.

The Rose Bowl might be over, but the ripple effects of the moment will linger. With his few sharp words and a whole lot of passion, it’s now time for him to turn his attention to his own team and see if they can back up the talk on the field next season. Catch him doing that in white #4.