Ohio State will be without linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and safeties Josh Proctor and Lathan Ransom against Michigan State on Saturday, while safety Cameron Martinez is questionable to play.
It leaves the Buckeye secondary extremely limited against the Spartans, with three of their top six safeties potentially missing the contest. Based on last week, Ohio State will likely start sophomore Sonny Styles at Ransom’s bandit/strong safety position, while cornerback Jordan Hancock will slide over to nickel to fill in for Styles.
As for filling Proctor’s free safety/adjuster role, the Buckeyes can look to either senior Ja’Had Carter, sophomore Kye Stokes or freshman Malik Hartford, who are all available against the Spartans, and all could conceivably line up at other safety spots if there are other injuries.
Things are simpler when it comes to Eichenberg’s injury, as it will lead to a heavier dose of senior Cody Simon and sophomore C.J. Hicks, who have taken essentially all snaps at linebacker when either Eichenberg or Steele Chambers have not been in the game this season.
Outside of those four, Ohio State will be without defensive linemen Jason Moore and Will Smith Jr., tight end Joe Royer and wide receiver Kyion Grayes, while tight end Zak Herbstreit, wide receiver Reis Stocksdale, linebacker Kourt Williams II and running back Miyan Williams are out for the season.
Not included as either questionable or unavailable is cornerback Denzel Burke and tight end Cade Stover, who were out last week against Rutgers.
Here is the full availability report:
Questionable
- SAF Cam Martinez
Out
- LB Tommy Eichenberg
- WR Kyion Grayes
- TE Zak Herbstreit (season)
- DL Jason Moore
- SAF Josh Proctor
- SAF Lathan Ransom
- TE Joe Royer
- DL Will Smith Jr.
- WR Reis Stockdale (season)
- LB Kourt Williams II (season)
- RB Miyan Williams (season)
