Last week, the Ohio State availability report was about as clean as the Buckeyes could ask. No projected starters were held out due to injury as the Buckeyes went on to beat the then-top-ranked Texas Longhorns, 14-7. In that game, a few guys were banged up. So, with a perceived tune-up against Grambling State from the FCS, the coaching staff could have been cautious with a few playmakers. However, despite one starter leaving the game early last week, all starters are expected to be available. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will play.
The same nine Buckeyes will be unavailable on Saturday:
- 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: Buckeyes at Full Strength vs. Grambling
Easily the biggest name not on the Ohio State availability report in Week 2 is Kenyatta Jackson Jr. As the starting defensive end, Jackson Jr. played 34 snaps against the Longhorns before being knocked out with an injury. Thankfully, last week, Ryan Day said it isn’t expected to be a long-term injury. Jackson being deemed “available” does not necessarily mean he will play, of course. Last year, Tyleik Williams was considered available against Michigan State, but was held out due to an abundance of caution anyway.
Like last week, there are no concerns for the Buckeyes in terms of injuries. The unfortunate thing about injuries and this game is that a good handful of the nine would likely have been able to play in mop-up duty against a lesser opponent. Either way, no excuses for the Buckeyes as they open up as a 55.5-point favorite, the largest spread in program history.
This game is not expected to be too competitive, so tune in for the bands!
Ohio State takes on Grambling State at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
Main Image: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
