The Ohio State offense will finally retain the services of star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has not played since the Buckeyes’ 77-21 win over Toledo on Sept. 17, as the Rockwall, Texas, native is active against Iowa.
While Smith-Njigba will aid Ohio State’s efforts in the air, the Buckeyes will also have both of their key running backs as Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson are available against the Hawkeyes. Although the offense will return several key members, the unit will be without wide receivers Kamryn Babb and Corban Cleveland, running backs T.C. Caffey and Evan Pryor and tight end Joe Royer.
The Buckeyes received mixed news at cornerback, as sophomore Jordan Hancock is active for the first time this season after missing all six of Ohio State’s games prior to the off week. However, Ohio State will be without Cameron Brown, who missed the Buckeyes’ games against Wisconsin and Rutgers but returned against Michigan State prior to the off week.
The Buckeyes will also be without team captain and safety Kourt Williams as head coach Ryan Day noted that Williams is dealing with a “long-term injury” and is unsure when he’ll be able to return.
Alongside the losses of Brown and Williams, Ohio State’s defense will also be without defensive ends Omari Abor and Tyler Friday, defensive tackle Bryce Prater, cornerback Lloyd McFarquhar and linebackers Mitchell Melton, Teradja Mitchell and Jalen Pace.
