Tracking playing time, redshirt status for members of Buckeyes freshman class

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is just four games into the year, but that’s still a third of the way through the regular season.

Roles are beginning to become permanent and freshmen are beginning to realize whether they’ll have a spot in Big Ten play or if this is a redshirt season in the works.

Lettermen Row is breaking down where each true freshman on the Buckeyes roster stands, which of them will burn their redshirt and who won’t. Let’s dive in.

Ohio State freshmen who have played, likely won’t redshirt

OL Luke Montgomery: A former top-100 overall prospect, Luke Montgomery has played 20 snaps across four games so far as the Buckeyes sixth offensive lineman, in their ‘Bison’ package and goal line operation. Montgomery will not redshirt and is setting himself up for a big role on the offensive line next year. This early experience will benefit him now and later.

WR Carnell Tate: The talented wide receiver has played 53 snaps in three games, but he didn’t play any snaps in the win over Notre Dame, and understandably so. Still, Tate has already flashed with moments so far. Expect him to be a part of the offense deep into the season.

WR Brandon Inniss: After enrolling this summer, Inniss is still getting his feet wet at Ohio State. But he did find the field for seven snaps, coming against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky. Yes, the wide receiver depth chart is loaded. But as he gains experience, the bet here is that Inniss will find a role. He’s too talented not to do so.

DB Malik Hartford: The only true freshman to start a game this season, Malik Hartford has played the most snaps of any defensive freshman. Hartford played 25 snaps in the opener at Indiana and 11 in each of the following two games. He’ll continue to gain experience and confidence, playing a role on this defense and playing enough to avoid a redshirt season.

Buckeyes freshmen who have played, still could redshirt

TE Jelani Thurman: The talk of spring practice, Jelani Thurman is still developing behind talented, experienced tight ends on the depth chart. He has appeared in just one game this season, putting him on pace to redshirt. But with his development, that could change.

WR Noah Rogers: The Buckeyes receiver class was incredible from the 2023 recruiting class, but that class hasn’t earned playing time yet. Noah Rogers, the No. 52 overall player from the On3 Industry Rankings, has played eight snaps so far this year. He’s in line for a redshirt, barring injuries.

DL Jason Moore: The borderline five-star defensive tackle has played just three snaps so far this season, all coming in one game. With the depth ahead of him, he’s a likely redshirt candidate.

DL Kayden McDonald: Like Moore, McDonald has seen very limited time so far. He’s going to redshirt.

DL/LB Arvell Reese: Once Arvell Reese transitioned from linebacker to defensive end during camp, Ohio State began to see that he could have an immediate impact. And he was on special teams — until he got hurt in the second game of the season. He hasn’t been active since then, and he could redshirt. If he gets back to full health, however, his role could return.

DB Jermaine Mathews: The pick-six in the win over Western Kentucky was a great moment, but Jermaine Mathews is buried on the depth chart during his first season. He has played in three games so far, two on defense and all three on special teams. One more game, and he’ll burn the redshirt. Will that happen for the former five-star prospect?

Buckeyes who have not played, will likely redshirt

QB Lincoln Kienholz: The Buckeyes fourth-string quarterback is learning from those ahead of him this season.

WR Bryson Rodgers: Rodgers has the potential to be a good player for Ohio State. With the depth chart in front of him, that won’t come this season.

OLs Austin Siereveld, Josh Padilla, Miles Walker: The offensive line is the most developmental part of the roster. All three of these Buckeyes have a chance to be good down the road after a developmental year.

DL Will Smith Jr., DL Joshua Mickens: Ohio State has a stocked roster of experienced defensive linemen, meaning Mickens and Smith are in line to redshirt. Smith is also out with injury.

LB Nigel Glover: A late addition to the class through the transfer portal, Nigel Glover will redshirt.

SAFs Jayden Bonsu, Cedrick Hawkins: The safety room at Ohio State is loaded, and the top guys are playing well. Expect Bonsu and Hawkins to push for a job later in their careers — not this year.

CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt: After enrolling this summer, the speedy Texas native has tremendous upside. It’ll be unleashed in the coming years, probably not this season.