Ohio State's football team faces a challenging lineup for their upcoming game against Illinois, with several key players sidelined. The Buckeyes are without starting nickel Lorenzo Styles Jr., who has been a reliable presence at the nickel position, and rotational defensive tackle Eddrick Houston. Backup slot receiver Bryson Rodgers remains on the sidelines due to injury. The team's injury report also includes several other players, including defensive tackle Max LeBlanc, tight end Max LeBlanc, quarterback Mason Maggs, defensive tackle Eric Mensah, wide receiver Bryson Rodgers, running back Anthony 'Turbo' Rogers, defensive tackle Maxwell Roy, safety Deshawn Stewart, defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr., defensive tackle Ahmed Tounkara, and wide receiver Preston Wolfe.
Despite his absence, Styles has been a consistent performer, allowing only one significant catch against Ohio in Week 3 and giving up just 3.7 yards per target in pass coverage. Jermaine Mathews Jr., a regular outside cornerback, will likely slide inside to replace Styles at nickel, while freshman Devin Sanchez and redshirt freshman Aaron Scott Jr. are also in the running for playing time. Both Sanchez and Scott Jr. are highly regarded five-star prospects.
Houston, a sophomore, struggled with consistency and penalties early in the season but has since been replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt senior Tywone Malone Jr. He remains an integral part of the team, frequently rotating in and playing 17 snaps in a recent game against Minnesota. Freshman Jarquez Carter and redshirt sophomore Jason Moore are the next in line at the 3-tech position, with backup nose guard Will Smith Jr. also potentially seeing action at 3-technique.
Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who left the game against the Gophers with an injury, was confirmed as available by Ryan Day and did not appear on the injury report. The team's depth and versatility will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming game against Illinois.
