Ohio State Football Update: Key Players Missing for Buckeyes Against Illinois
In a surprising twist for Ohio State fans, the Buckeyes are facing a game without a key starter for the first time this season! As they prepare to take on Illinois this Saturday, starting nickel player Lorenzo Styles Jr. will not be participating. Alongside him, rotational defensive tackle Eddrick Houston has also been ruled out for this crucial matchup. Additionally, backup slot receiver Bryson Rodgers continues to recover from his injury and will not be available either.
Current Availability Report for Ohio State Football
Out:
- DT Eddrick Houston
- TE Max LeBlanc
- QB Mason Maggs
- DT Eric Mensah
- WR Bryson Rodgers
- RB Anthony "Turbo" Rogers
- DT Maxwell Roy
- S Deshawn Stewart
- DB Lorenzo Styles Jr.
- DT Ahmed Tounkara
- WR Preston Wolfe
This season, Styles has emerged as a reliable figure in the nickel position, akin to the comfort of your favorite jeans. Despite having allowed a notable 67-yard touchdown reception to Chase Hendricks from Ohio in Week 3, he has performed remarkably well overall. Statistics from Pro Football Focus reveal that apart from that play, Styles has given up just 59 yards across 16 targets this season, which translates to a mere 3.7 yards per target. Furthermore, he has contributed significantly with 17 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup thus far.
To cover for Styles, regular outside cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. is anticipated to slide into the nickel role, a position he briefly held during the Ohio game after Styles sustained his injury in the second half. Freshman Devin Sanchez, who has been utilized as the extra cornerback in dime formations, is expected to make his first career start as the outside cornerback. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Aaron Scott Jr., who has recently gained momentum on special teams, might also see time on the field, given that both players are highly regarded five-star prospects.
Eddrick Houston, a sophomore, started the season as the Buckeyes’ primary 3-technique defensive tackle but faced difficulties with consistency and incurred penalties, leading to his replacement by experienced redshirt senior Tywone Malone Jr. However, Houston has still been a regular contributor, with a notable performance last week against Minnesota, where he logged 17 snaps and notched five tackles over the course of the season.
Next in line for the 3-technique position are freshman Jarquez Carter and redshirt sophomore Jason Moore, who has recently returned from injury. Backup nose guard Will Smith Jr. may also be called upon to fill in at the 3-tech spot, working in conjunction with starting nose guard Kayden McDonald.
Interestingly, defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. exited the previous game against the Gophers due to injury concerns, but Ohio State head coach Ryan Day confirmed on Friday that he is available for the upcoming game against Illinois, and his name did not appear on the injury report.
So, what do you think about the impact of these absences on Ohio State's chances against Illinois? Do you believe they can rise to the occasion, or is this a pivotal setback? Share your thoughts in the comments, especially on how you view the ongoing changes in the lineup!
This situation introduces an important conversation: can a team maintain its performance level when key players are absent? How does the depth of a roster really shape the outcomes during the season?
