COLUMBUS — Ohio State is getting some much-needed help ahead of Saturday's showdown with defending national champion Indiana, and the reinforcements couldn't come at a much better time.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes expect to have five starters back after they missed last week's 45-16 victory over Maryland. Running back Isaiah West and defensive end Khary Wilder have also been cleared from the availability report, giving head coach Ryan Day additional depth for one of Ohio State's biggest games of the season.
West and Wilder were initially listed as questionable earlier in the week, but both have since been reported as available for Saturday's matchup.
West's availability is particularly important with Ja'Kobi Jackson ruled out. Jackson started Ohio State's last two games and rushed for 76 yards on 14 carries against Maryland, leaving Bo Jackson expected to handle much of the workload against Indiana.
Having West available gives the Buckeyes another option in the backfield, although it remains to be seen how many carries he'll receive.
Wilder's availability also provides additional depth along the defensive line against a Hoosiers offense that has averaged more than 40 points per game this season.
The more significant news, however, is the expected return of five starters who missed the Maryland game.
Wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin, linebacker Christian Alliegro, nickelback Jay Timmons, and offensive tackle Phillip Daniels are all absent from Ohio State's injury report after missing last week's victory.
Daniels' return is especially important for an offensive line that will be without Austin Siereveld for the second consecutive game. Daniels is expected to resume his role at right tackle, allowing Gabe VanSickle to move back to right guard.
Still, Daniels hasn't played since suffering an injury against Texas in September, and getting back up to game speed against Indiana's talented defensive front won't be easy.
The Hoosiers have recorded 20 sacks through six games, and Ohio State surrendered five sacks to Indiana in last season's 13-10 Big Ten Championship Game loss. Protecting Julian Sayin will remain a major concern regardless of how many linemen return.
The return of Inniss and McCuin also gives Sayin more options in the passing game, while Alliegro and Timmons provide additional experience on a defense preparing to face one of the nation's most productive offenses.
Ohio State won't be at full strength Saturday, but the Buckeyes should have considerably more depth than they did against Maryland.
And against an Indiana team riding a 22-game winning streak, they'll need it.
Saturday's matchup provides Ohio State with an opportunity to avenge last season's championship loss and hand Indiana its first defeat since 2024. Having several key players available will help, but the Buckeyes will still need to overcome the loss of two important offensive contributors.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, with the game televised on FOX.
