When Ryan Day said Wednesday that he expected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to return against Iowa, it looked like Ohio State would finally have all 22 starters locked and loaded when it faced the Hawkeyes. But the Buckeyes may be without one starter after all.
While Williams is available, starting wide receiver Carnell Tate is questionable to play against Iowa per the Buckeyes' status report.
| OSU STATUS REPORT FOR IOWA |
|---|
| Questionable |
| WR Carnell Tate |
| Out |
|
RB TC Caffey (Season) RB Rashid SeSay WR Reis Stocksdale |
Tate's had a strong first four games of 2024 playing alongside Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith. He has 14 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown, all third on the team behind the aforementioned duo. He's had at least 45 yards in every contest and has been a physical perimeter blocker.
Should Tate be unable to go for the Buckeyes, it will likely mean the first career start for his classmate and close friend Brandon Inniss. Inniss is considered the fourth man in Ohio State's receiver rotation and will likely open in the slot with Emeka Egbuka sliding outside if Tate does not play.
Inniss, a five-star prospect from the class of 2023, has impressed as a punt returner this season with 106 yards on 11 returns – already more than the 75 punt return yards the Buckeyes had last year. The Florida product also has five receptions for 63 yards off the bench.
Fellow Ohio State second-year Bryson Rodgers is fifth behind Inniss in snaps at wide receiver this season and could also see increased playing time if Tate does not play, as could redshirt junior Jayden Ballard and redshirt sophomore Kojo Antwi.
Williams' return means Ohio State will have all 11 starters available on defense for just the second time this season. Linebacker Cody Simon missed the Buckeyes' season opener and Williams is back after missing games three and four.
Ohio State and Iowa kick off at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.
