Ohio State had its full complement of starters – outside of one last player – when it took the field against Western Michigan on Saturday.
Mike linebacker Cody Simon returned to action against the Broncos after missing Week 1 with an undisclosed injury. Left guard Donovan Jackson, who was a game-time decision to play alongside Simon, remained on the sidelines when the Buckeyes' first-team offense took the field. Both are considered available for the contest.
Simon made a big play to start his return as well, picking up a sack to force a punt on Western Michigan's first drive.
Jackson and Simon both went through warmups before Ohio State played the Zips before sitting out the contest and Ryan Day said both were practicing on Wednesday.
Simon is the backbone of the defense, a fifth-year senior who collected 57 tackles despite playing a mostly rotational role at linebacker in 2023. He was the top vote-getter as a team captain and the recipient of the team's "Block O" jersey.
Jackson is a two-time first-team All-Big Ten performer who started every game at left guard for the Buckeyes in 2022 and 2023. He'll be a big boost to an Ohio State running game looking for more consistency whenever he returns.
Austin Siereveld started at left guard again in Jackson's place. Sonny Styles slides back over to Will linebacker in the defense's starting lineup after starting at Mike last week in place of Simon.
| OSU STATUS REPORT FOR WESTERN MICHIGAN |
|---|
| Out |
|
OL Devontae Armstrong S Jayden Bonsu RB TC Caffey (Season) WR Reis Stocksdale |
The only players listed as unavailable for Saturday’s game are offensive lineman Devontae Armstrong, safety Jayden Bonsu, wide receiver Reis Stocksdale and running back TC Caffey. Those four players, all reserves, are all out for the second week in a row, with Caffey being out for the season with a knee injury.
