Ohio State Football Status Report: Tyleik Williams Out Against Marshall, Donovan Jackson Returns

Star 3-technique defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is out for the Buckeyes against the Thundering Herd, though left guard Donovan Jackson is back along the offensive line.

There was a thought Ohio State would come off its idle Week 3 with a clean bill of health after Ryan Day said Jackson was "ready to roll" on Tuesday, but now the Buckeyes will need to turn to their depth at defensive tackle.

Williams' injury has not been disclosed but he was seen favoring his shoulder during Ohio State's Week 2 game against Western Michigan.

Hero Kanu has been the first 3-technique off the bench for the Buckeyes, playing 16 snaps, the next-most among 3-techs after Williams. However, Kayden McDonald has emerged as the No. 3 DT overall, with four tackles and a pass breakup in 34 snaps. He has primarily played at nose tackle but could also be an option at 3-tech, as could starting nose guard Ty Hamilton.

Caden Curry's played some 3-tech in specialty pass rush packages for Ohio State, which could opt for such a look more often on third down against Marshall with Williams out. Jason Moore was said to have taken a big leap at 3-technique in the spring while Will Smith Jr. and Tywone Malone could also be candidates for increased playing time with Williams out.

Williams is the only Ohio State scholarship player unavailable against Marshall. The only other unavailable players are walk-on running backs TC Caffey and Rashid SeSay, with Caffey out for the season due to a knee injury.

Jackson's return gives Ohio State its full starting five along the offensive line for the first time in 2024, though Austin Siereveld filled in admirably at left guard in the first two games. With Jackson, a 26-game starter over the last two years, back in the starting lineup, the Buckeyes will aim to sustain the run blocking that paved the way for 273 yards on seven yards per carry against Western Michigan in Week 2.