Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans have been keeping an eye on depth concerns at offensive tackle and safety as the Buckeyes head into 2024. This week, both areas will face a test against Nebraska, with notable players sidelined.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Coach Ryan Day confirmed two significant losses. Starting strong safety Lathan Ransom will miss the Nebraska matchup, while left tackle Josh Simmons is out for the season. The injury report also includes tight end Will Kacmarek, who is expected to be out “for a while,” with Day not providing a precise timetable for his return. Ohio State lists six players as unavailable heading into this seventh game, including true freshman cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. and walk-ons Reis Stocksdale and TC Caffey. Unfortunately, Caffey joins Simmons on the season-ending injury list.
Ransom has been a reliable presence at strong safety since taking over in Week 2 of 2022 after replacing Josh Proctor during the Notre Dame game. He made an immediate impact, finishing that season with 74 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception. In 2023, he tallied 34 tackles, two TFLs, and one interception over eight games before a season-ending injury at Wisconsin. This season, the fifth-year senior continued to shine, logging 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a memorable 27-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown across six games. His contributions have been key to the Buckeyes’ strong secondary, where he and freshman standout Caleb Downs have anchored coverage with playmaking and field awareness.
Now, sophomore Malik Hartford is a likely candidate to step up in Ransom’s place. Hartford showed promise in his freshman year with two starts, recording 10 tackles and two pass breakups. Alternatively, Ohio State might consider moving nickel defenders Jordan Hancock or Lorenzo Styles Jr. back to safety. If Hancock shifts, either Styles or Jermaine Mathews Jr. could cover his nickel spot.
On the offensive line, redshirt junior Zen Michalski will replace Simmons at left tackle. The line will need to hold strong against Nebraska’s defense, which ranks 15th nationally with 21 sacks this season. With Kacmarek out, Bennett Christian and Jelani Thurman will serve as backups to starting tight end Gee Scott Jr. Meanwhile, Aaron Scott Jr.’s absence means Calvin Simpson-Hunt is likely to advance into the two-deep rotation at cornerback.
Ohio State fans can tune in as the Buckeyes take on Nebraska at noon on FOX. This game is shaping up to be a pivotal test for Ohio State’s depth, resilience, and determination to overcome adversity as they press forward in the 2024 season.
