Malik Hartford

Malik Hartford (born March 19, 2005) is an American football safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Early life and high school
Hartford grew up in West Chester, Ohio, where he attended Lakota West High School. As a senior, he notched 43 tackles with four being for a loss, two interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. Hartford committed to play college football at Ohio State.

College career
Hartford entered the spring workouts with the Buckeyes weighing 169 pounds but would bulk his weight up to over 190 pounds. During the spring and summer, Hartford competed for one of the starting safety roles. Hartford got his first career start in week two of the 2023 season versus Youngstown State. In week ten versus Rutgers, Hartford notched a tackle and a pass deflection.