Ohio State looks like it will be without a couple of starters for Week 3 following the loss to the Texas Longhorns.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are licking their wounds after a tough 24-23 road
loss to Texas in Week 2. Ohio State blew a 20-3 halftime lead against the Longhorns, allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. It was a crushing collapse for a team with big goals in 2026, and the early season loss adds pressure on the Buckeyes to be sharper going forward.
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Ohio State turns the page to Kent State in Week 3 in a big step down in competition. The Buckeyes are likely to take on the Golden Flashes without a pair of starters.
Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day revealed Wednesday night that offensive tackle Phillip Daniels and defensive end Zion Grady have not practiced this week and are trending toward sitting out the Week 3 game against Kent State.
Ohio State's adjustment on the offensive line without Phillip Daniels
Daniels went down with an injury during the loss to Texas, forcing the Buckeyes to shuffle their offensive line. Ohio State slid Austin Siereveld from right guard to right tackle and inserted Gabe VanSickle at right guard. That combination is likely what the Buckeyes will roll with against Kent State.
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Their availability for next week's Big Ten opener against Illinois remains unclear for both players, but the injuries aren't expected to be serious.
Zion Grady's absence opens the door for other pass rushers
Grady looks like the player the coaching staff wants to be the starter opposite Kenyatta Jackson on Ohio State's defensive line early this season. The sophomore is one who could take a big leap as the next player in Larry Johnson's long line of successful pass rushers who become NFL draft picks.
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Without Grady available, freshman Khary Wilder should see a bigger opportunity. Players like Qua Russaw, Beau Atkinson, and Epi Sitanilei could also factor into the rotation along the defensive front.
Ohio State will handle Kent State without much trouble, and this could be the last game on the schedule where the Buckeyes can rotate through their second and third-string players and get a real look at their depth. Big Ten play begins next week against Illinois, and the schedule ramps up from there.
The more important question with the injuries is whether Daniels and Grady will be ready for that Illinois game. Their practice availability next week will be telling.
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This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Ryan Day drops injury news that isn't great to hear in the aftermath of Ohio State losing to Texas on the road
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