Ohio State updates jersey numbers, weights for training camp

COLUMBUS — With the start of Ohio State training camp, the updated 2023 Buckeyes roster is out. And that means there are jersey number changes, plus offseason weight fluctuations, to monitor.

Lettermen Row is tracking all of it.

Let’s dive in.

Ohio State jersey number updates

JERSEY NUMBER CHANGES
CB Davison Igbinosun: No. 20 —> No. 1
S Cameron Martinez: No. 13 —> No. 3
S Lathan Ransom: No. 12 —> No. 8
CB Ryan Turner: No. 29 —> No. 12
S Kye Stokes: No. 37 —> No. 13

NEW ADDITIONS
CB Lorenzo Styles Jr.: No. 4
WR Brandon Inniss: No. 11
QB Lincoln Kienholz: No. 12
CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt: No. 15
LB Arvell Reese: No. 20
S Jayden Bonsu: No. 21
S Cedrick Hawkins Jr.: No. 26
DE Josh Mickens: No. 52
DT Kayden McDonald: No. 56
OT Josh Simmons: No. 71
DT Jason Moore: No. 94
DT Tywone Malone: No. 95

Notable Ohio State player weight changes

Note: All weight changes are tracked by comparing the updated Ohio State training camp roster with the updated Ohio State spring roster.

NOTABLE WEIGHT GAINS
S Malik Hartford: 194 pounds (+11)
WR Bryson Rodgers: 185 pounds (+10)
OT Miles Walker: 295 pounds (+10)
S Cameron Martinez: 198 pounds (+8)
S Sonny Styles: 230 pounds (+7)
WR Noah Rogers: 201 pounds (+7)
TE Sam Hart: 255 pounds (+7)
DE Kenyatta Jackson: 258 pounds (+6)
WR Julian Fleming: 210 pounds (+5)
WR Kyion Grayes: 190 pounds (+5)
TE Jelani Thurman: 258 pounds (+5)
LB Gabe Powers: 235 pounds (+5)
C/OG Victor Cutler Jr.: 300 pounds (+5)
OT Luke Montgomery: 302 pounds (+4)

TAKEAWAYS

• Talk about a safety makeover. True freshman Malik Hartford has gotten off to a great start in his young Buckeyes career. The Lakota West product shed his black stripe in spring ball and picked off quarterback Devin Brown during the first practice of training camp. He’s put on a team-high 11 pounds since the spring, according to the Buckeyes’ updated training camp roster. Cameron Martinez, who has been jockeying for a starting nickel job this offseason, is up eight pounds. Then there’s the ultra-athletic Sonny Styles: He’s reached 230 pounds after tacking on seven more pounds since the spring.

• This new class of Ohio State wide receivers is already making waves. Carnell Tate wowed in spring. Brandon Inniss turned heads during the first practice of training camp. But don’t forget about Bryson Rodgers and Noah Rogers as well. Rodgers is up 10 pounds, and Rogers now stands 6-foot-2, 201 pounds after adding seven pounds since the spring.

• The addition of four pounds might not sound significant, but, when it comes to true freshman offensive tackle Luke Montgomery, it is. Because that weight gain put Montgomery over the 300-pound mark. At Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis last week, head coach Ryan Day said Montgomery is in the mix for a starting tackle job this summer. To truly compete and get on the field as a first-year tackle, he has to have the size. Getting to 302 pounds is a good start for Montgomery, the No. 2 Ohio prospect last cycle.

NOTABLE WEIGHT LOSSES
DE Omari Abor: 258 pounds (-10)
C Jakob James: 290 pounds (-7)
OT Josh Fryar: 313 pounds (-7)
OT Tegra Tshabola: 322 pounds (-5)
DT Mike Hall Jr.: 280 pounds (-5)
LB Cody Simon: 235 pounds (-4)

TAKEAWAYS

• Three Buckeyes offensive linemen competing for starting spots dropped at least five pounds since the spring, including Josh Fryar who is the front runner for the left tackle job right now. Fryar shed seven pounds, so did center Jakob James — back from injury after missing the spring — and right tackle Tegra Tshabola slimmed down five pounds.

• There were also some notable weight losses on the Ohio State defensive front. Second-year defensive end Omari Abor went from 268 pounds to 258 pounds. And Mike Hall Jr., who has a chance to be one of the best interior pass rushers in college football this season, dropped five pounds and now sits at 280.