Ohio State will be without two key starters when the Cotton Bowl kicks off on Friday, as wide Marvin Harrison Jr. and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg will be unavailable for the Buckeyes against Missouri.
Harrison was expected to sit out as he prepares for the NFL Draft, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles indicated earlier in the week that Eichenberg – who is also likely departing for the NFL – may not play as he nurses an arm injury he suffered earlier this season.
In their stead, the Buckeyes will look to Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Xavier Johnson and Brandon Inniss to help fill the void at wideout – especially considering the Julian Fleming is in the transfer portal – while Cody Simon is expected to start opposite Steele Chambers at linebacker. There could also be an expanded role for C.J. Hicks, who has the fourth-most snaps among Ohio State’s linebackers.
Outside of Harrison and Eichenberg, Ohio State will be mostly at full strength, with safety Lathan Ransom the only other starter out for the contest. The Buckeyes will also be without freshmen offensive tackle Miles Walker and wide receiver Nolan Baudo, as well as several that have already been announced as out for the season, including tight end Zak Herbstreit, wide receiver Reis Stocksdale, running back Miyan Williams and linebacker Kourt Williams II.
Here is the full availability report:
Questionable
- None
Out
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
- LB Tommy Eichenberg
- SAF Lathan Ransom
- OT Miles Walker
- WR Nolan Baudo
- TE Zak Herbstreit (season)
- WR Reis Stocksdale (season)
- LB Kourt Williams II (season)
- RB Miyan Williams (season)
