Eric Boggs
Ryan Day entered Thursday’s press conference with the energy of a coach eager to see his preseason work come to life. He spoke of the Buckeyes’ defensive tackle room in measured optimism, highlighting solid offseason growth and the promise shown in the weight room. “Some guys have a different look in their eye,” he said, adding that while feedback from strength staff was positive, true evaluation must wait until pads arrive and coaches can see these young men go full throttle at game speed.
But the mood turned quieter as Day confirmed early reports: Eddrick Houston suffered an injury in practice. “I haven’t talked to the trainers yet,” Day admitted, underscoring the uncertainty. That moment hung over the rest of the briefing. Houston was considered a huge part of the interior defense, and his setback raises immediate concern for Ohio State’s depth. If Houston cannot go, the Buckeyes must rely on the offseason gains of backups to fill the void.
The rest of Day’s answers echoed a coach balancing hope and realism. He emphasized how the first practice of camp is about energy and earned reps—especially for a roster with many players who haven’t logged extensive game action. He spoke passionately about Ohio State’s focus on practicing without pads as a step toward mental sharpness and player safety, noting parallels with the professionalism required in NFL camps.
Quarterback development also drew his attention. Day saw encouraging signs from Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair—more command of the huddle, fuller movement, stronger posture—but cautioned that film review over the next several days will be essential to assess true progression. In the absence of pads, he emphasized, “we won’t know until we get out there” in full gear.
Asked about lessons from last year’s national title season and avoiding complacency, Day stressed that the team has already moved forward mentally. He emphasized the goal of becoming the first Buckeyes squad to win back-to-back championships and acknowledged that leadership in the room must emerge—young players must step up into roles previously held by veterans.
Day also recalled the transformations of recent transfers—how players like Ethan Onianwa have trimmed weight and embraced Ohio State’s culture, earning recognition in team meetings. That culture, he reiterated, starts in the weight room: the tests of accountability, toughness, competitiveness, and leadership all begin there.
From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, Houston’s injury looms large. He was expected to anchor the interior and help set the tone against the run. If he’s sidelined, the Buckeyes must lean on untested depth like Wille Smith Jr. and hope those offseason gains translate on the field. Fall camp will now carry extra weight as both a proving ground and diagnostic test.
Still, Day remained optimistic, pointing to a strong first day of camp—with approximately 48 plays in certain periods to maximize reps—and emphasizing that effort was visible, even if execution remains a work in progress. It’s a long road ahead, but the foundation feels as stable as ever. Fans will be watching eagerly, hoping that Houston’s injury proves minor and that Ohio State can continue building the defensive line in training camp—the very core of their national title defense.
