Availability Report: Donovan Jackson, Cody Simon Out Against Akron

Ohio State opens its season against Akron at 3:30 today, but not every Buckeye will be able to get on the field for the home opener. Linebacker Cody Simon and Donovan Jackson are both going to be out for the game against the Zips.

With Jackson out, it will give the Buckeyes a chance to get some of the backup offensive linemen a chance to rotate in at guard and try to earn more playing time.

Simon being out likely gives the opportunity to Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks to both start at linebacker, with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles saying earlier in the week that Styles and Hicks could be on the field at the same time with Styles at Mike and Hicks at Will.

The Buckeyes will also be without backup safety Jayden Bonsu along with TC Caffey, who was ruled out for the season when it was revealed in July that he suffered a knee injury.

Cade Casto, Devontae Armstrong and Reis Stocksdale are also ruled out for the game. Stocksdale was a mainstay on the availability report for the Buckeyes last season and will begin 2024 the same way.

Here is the full availability report:

Questionable

• None

Out

• OL Devontae Armstrong
• SAF Jayden Bonsu
• DL Cade Casto
• OL Donovan Jackson
• LB Cody Simon
• WR Reis Stocksdale
• TC Caffey (season)