Kourt Williams has been bitten by the injury bug again.
The fourth-year Buckeye, who moved from safety to linebacker at the start of preseason camp, will miss the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL, Ryan Day announced Monday.
“Really feel awful for Kourt. I just feel like he can't catch a break,” Day said. “He's such a great young man. And so prayers are out to him. We're all rallying around Kourt.”
It’s the second time Williams has been sidelined by a torn ACL in his Ohio State career, as he missed his entire true freshman year with the same injury. After seeing some playing time as a backup safety in 2021, Williams was sidelined by shoulder injuries last season, playing just 42 snaps before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. He ultimately underwent two surgeries on his right shoulder and another on his left for torn labrums, but he entered preseason camp determined to still try to make an impact for the Buckeyes.
“I mean, our culture’s fight,” Williams said earlier this month, referencing Ryan Day’s motto for the program. “I feel like I would be a phony if I quit. That’s just not who I am.”
Williams, a team captain for the Buckeyes last season, still has three years of collegiate eligibility but will now face another lengthy recovery before he can play football again.
He was not likely to play a substantial role at linebacker this season with Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers returning as starters and Cody Simon and C.J. Hicks in line to be their top backups. Gabe Powers, Reid Carrico and Nigel Glover provide additional depth at the position. Arvell Reese could also move back to linebacker if needed, Day said Monday, though the true freshman is currently practicing at defensive end.
