The reigning national champions are back and ready to show the college football world that last year was no fluke. The quest for the program’s 10th title kicks off at noon at home against Texas. With so many new faces needing to step up, the Ohio State availability report provided a little reassurance for fans as the Buckeyes are expecting all projected starters and returning role players to be healthy and available.
Against Texas, there are nine depth pieces who will be unavailable for the Buckeyes:
- CB Brenten “Inky” Jones
- TE Max LeBlanc
- DT Jason Moore
- QB Mason Maggs
- RB Anthony “Turbo” Rogers
- DT Maxwell Roy
- S Deshawn Stewart
- DT Ahmed Tounkara
- WR Preston Wolfe
Ohio State Availability Report Vs. Texas
Thankfully for Ohio State, there are no injuries to projected starters. Of the aforementioned list, the most notable is the defensive tackle, Moore. The defensive tackle room has been a question mark for the Buckeyes as they head into the 2025 season, so any hit to the depth is not ideal. However, Moore was projected to be the third nose tackle in the pecking order. Sophomores Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston are expected to lead the way to fill the massive holes left by Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.
Perhaps the next-most important loss is Rogers, the expected RB4. The true freshman has been impressive in Fall Camp. But James Peoples, CJ Donaldson, and fellow true freshman Bo Jackson are the top three at the position. Against Texas, this loss will not be too bad as, barring a miracle or nuclear collapse, the Buckeyes are unlikely to use more than three running backs. Now, for the next few weeks, as the Buckeyes are expected to run-rule Grambling State and Ohio, Rogers’ presence will be welcome in the second half in mop-up duty.
The Buckeyes kick off against Texas on “Big Noon Kickoff” on Fox. Week 1 couldn’t ask for a better matchup to kick off the year. Ohio State enters the game as a 1.5-point favorite, marking the first time in history that the AP number-one team enters Week 1 as an underdog.
Main Image: Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
