The Ohio State availability report is out as the Buckeyes are finally back in action. There were a few injuries in the loss to Oregon two weeks ago and the Buckeyes are feeling it as they suit up for the 11th all-time meeting with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Ohio State announced six players would be unavailable against Nebraska:
TC Caffey, RB (Season)
Will Kacmarek, TE
Lathan Ransom, SAF
Aaron Scott Jr., CB
Josh Simmons, OT (Season)
Reis Stocksdale, WR
Ohio State Availability Report Shows Buckeyes Banged Up vs Nebraska
Two of the names on the Ohio State availability report loom large. Simmons is the starting left tackle and it was announced last week that he would miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury. His improvement from Week 1 of last year up until the Oregon game cannot be understated. His presence will be missed but redshirt junior Zen Michalski is set to step up.
Michalski finished the Oregon game at left tackle and played admirably for the Buckeyes. Head Coach Ryan Day spoke highly of Michalski, “It’s one thing when you’re coming into that role, but now as you become the starter, there’s more that comes with that. And I think he’s looking for that opportunity,” Day said. “He’s been in the program now for a while. He’s put his work in. And so now it’s time to go to work. And I think the confidence that you put in in practice blocking against our defensive ends every day should give them a great amount of confidence to be able to go do it in the game.”
Perhaps just as impactful is the undisclosed injury to starting safety Ransom. The senior safety has been one of the Buckeyes’ top defenders through six games. He’s amassed 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
In his spot, the Buckeyes could turn to either Jordan Hancock from the slot corner position and backfill with uber-talented Jermaine Mathews. Additionally, true freshman Jaylen McClain could be tasked with stepping up alongside Caleb Downs.
Ohio State faces off against Nebraska at 12:00 EDT on FS1 at Ohio Stadium.
