COLUMBUS — Ohio State could be without starting cornerback Jay Timmons when the Buckeyes face USC Saturday night. The freshman was downgraded from questionable to doubtful in Friday's Big Ten availability report, while wide receiver Brandon Inniss remains questionable and 10 other Buckeyes have been ruled out.
Timmons returned against Indiana on October 17 after missing the previous two games and recorded seven tackles, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble in Ohio State's 19-15 victory. However, he left during the fourth quarter and missed the Hoosiers' final offensive possessions.
His potential absence would be big against a USC offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has thrown for 2,303 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Timmons has played a key role at nickelback, where he helps defend both the passing game and the run game.
When Timmons left the field at Indiana, Jermaine Mathews Jr. moved inside to nickelback, while Cam Calhoun replaced Mathews at outside cornerback. Ohio State could use that combination again against USC, although the coaching staff also has other options available.
Inniss remains questionable after returning against Indiana following an earlier absence against Maryland. His status is worth watching with true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey reportedly expected to make his first collegiate start in place of the injured Sayin.
Sayin remains out after suffering a throwing-arm injury against Indiana, while running back Ja'Kobi Jackson is sidelined following foot surgery. Neither player's designation changed in Friday's report.
The Buckeyes will also be without safeties Leroy Roker III, Brenten "Inky" Jones, and Deshawn Stewart; wide receivers Brock Boyd and Amari Valerio-Hudson; linebacker Eli Lee; offensive lineman Jaxon Powell; and tight end Maxence LeBlanc.
Offensive lineman Austin Siereveld and defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. are not listed on the availability report, making both ready to go after missing time. Siereveld has been recovering from an illness, while Jackson left the Indiana game with an apparent leg injury.
USC has seven players ruled out, including receivers Terrell Anderson and Corey Simms, safety Kendarius Reddick, and two offensive linemen. Defensive tackles Jahkeem Stewart and Jamaal Jarrett are questionable, along with tight end Mark Bowman and running back Shahn Alston.
The Big Ten's final game-day availability report is expected approximately two hours before Saturday's 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will be televised on NBC.
