Buckeyes holding two key starters out of season opener against Akron
COLUMBUS — Ohio State will finally kick off the highly-anticipated 2024 season on Saturday when it hosts Akron. Even with all the buzz surrounding the first game of the year, the Buckeyes will be without two key starters for the season-opening tune-up game.
Starting left guard Donovan Jackson will not suit up for the Buckeyes on Saturday. He has been banged up in the late stages of training camp. Jackson’s issue, according to Lettermen Row sources, is not considered serious. With Akron on the schedule, Jackson’s debut for this season will be delayed at least one week.
In Jackson’s place, Ohio State may turn to second-year offensive guard Austin Siereveld in what would be his first career start for the Buckeyes. The Lakota West product was a four-star recruit and has recently shined in training camp while taking reps at both guard and tackle. Other options include second-year lineman Luke Montgomery and third-year interior lineman Carson Hinzman, who started 12 games at center last season for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will also be without star senior linebacker and defensive captain Cody Simon for the opener against Akron. The ‘Block O’ jersey recipient and leader is being held out for precautionary reasons, according to Lettermen Row sources, and should be good to go soon.
The Buckeyes have good, but inexperienced options to be the first middle linebacker with helmet communication activated. Middle linebackers Arvell Reese and Gabe Powers could either one be in line for their first career start, or Ohio State could roll with both Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks as the two starting linebackers.
Other Ohio State availability report notes
Other notable Buckeyes who will not be active for the first game of the season include wide receiver Reis Stocksdale, who is still returning from an injury, second-year defensive back Jayden Bonsu and freshman offensive lineman Devontae Armstrong.
As for the rest of the Ohio State roster, it’s the season debut. For a few others, the first game of the season will be a rest day — and next week could be a more full-strength Buckeyes team.
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The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.
Ohio State availability report
Questionable
None
Out
OL Devontae Armstrong
DB Jayden Bonsu
DL Cade Casto
OL Donovan Jackson
LB Cody Simon
WR Reis Stocksdale
RB TC Caffey (season)
Akron at Ohio State: Game time, details
Ohio State is 8-1 against Akron in its program history. Yes, the Buckeyes have lost to the Zips before, but more on that below.
The two teams last met in 2021 in Columbus where the Buckeyes won 59-7. Another wrinkle in this year’s contest is that Akron’s head coach is Joe Moorhead. Moorhead was Oregon’s offensive coordinator in 2021 when the Buckeyes lost at home to the Ducks — the same year they played Akron.
The Buckeyes have a near-flawless record against schools from the Mid-American Conference, going 36-1.
- Time: 3:30 p.m. est.
- Kickoff: 3:40 p.m. est.
- Weather: High of 82º, 95% chance of thunderstorms, 7 mph winds.
- The line: Ohio State is a 48.5 favorite per VegasInsider
- Over/under: 58.5 points
