Injury Update: Injury has forced Ohio State’s defensive starter to miss the Cotton Bowl

admin | December 24, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Due to injuries, at least one Ohio State football defensive starter will miss the Cotton Bowl.

Coach Ryan Day revealed safety Lathan Ransom will not participate in Friday’s game against Missouri during the arrival press conference in Dallas on Saturday. Ransom, a second-year starter, has not played since Oct. 28 due to a lower-body injury suffered against Wisconsin.

This season, Ransom had 34 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups. He played bandit, which defensive coordinator Jim Knowles refers to as “strong safety” in his system. He contributed significant physical play against the run as well as coverage expertise.

Sonny Styles has played more bandit and Jordan Hancock has played more nickel in his absence. If required, Ja’Had Carter and Malik Hartford are available on the back end in the Cotton Bowl.

Ransom, a fourth-year athlete, has yet to declare his intentions for the 2024 season. If he declares for the NFL Draft, Ohio State will lose two starting safeties. Josh Proctor, a sixth-year safety, will play his final game on Friday.

Day did not have an update on whether NFL Draft-eligible players who have yet to commit to playing in the Cotton Bowl will suit up on Friday. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., running back TreVeyon Henderson, tight end Cade Stover, defensive lineman Ty Hamilton and Mike Hall Jr., and linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are among others on the list.

Day stated that the team would convene on Saturday night and that he would give an update on the status of those players later in the week.