Ohio State Football Status Report: Only Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin will play for the Buckeyes against Tennessee

All other key contributors will be available for the Buckeyes in their first-round home game against Tennessee. Walk-on running back TC Caffey is also out this year with a torn ACL, and walk-on quarterback Mason Maggs is the only other unavailable player on Ohio State’s availability report, joining Caffey, McLaughlin and Simmons.

Offensive tackle Zen Michalski is available for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury against Nebraska on Oct. 26. Michalski entered the transfer portal this week but remains with the Buckeyes via the CFP. He filled in for Simmons after the left tackle suffered a season-ending injury at Oregon and started against the Cornhuskers, but Donovan Jackson has since taken over the left tackle duties for Ohio State.

While there are no new injuries to the Buckeyes’ depleted offensive line, there will still be some reshuffling. After two poor performances from the unit following McLaughlin’s injury, Luke Montgomery will get a chance at left guard, Ryan Day said earlier this week. Day said Austin Siereveld, who started the last two games at left back and alternated with right back Tegra Tshabola at times in 2024, will rotate with Montgomery and Tshabola against the Volunteers.

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Ohio State takes on Tennessee in the Shoe at 8 p.m. ABC and ESPN will broadcast the duel.