Ohio State’s defense may have to line up without one of its brightest young playmakers on Saturday night.
Jay Timmons, a true freshman who has already become a difference-maker for the Buckeyes, was downgraded from questionable to doubtful on the Friday afternoon injury report ahead of the USC game. That puts Ohio State in a tough spot as it prepares to deal with a Trojans passing attack led by Jayden Maiava, who is projected as a future first-round quarterback.
Timmons has wasted no time making his presence felt since arriving on campus. He opened his Ohio State career with a huge moment against Texas, forcing a fumble on the first play of the game. The Buckeyes recovered and turned that takeaway into points right away, helping set the tone early.
He came through again last week against Indiana when Ohio State needed a spark. After a catch over the middle, Timmons punched the ball loose, and the Buckeyes recovered to start the second half. It was another example of him showing up when the moment was biggest.
If he can’t go, Ohio State will have to piece together his role in the secondary with players like Jermaine Matthews Jr. and Cam Calhoun. Calhoun, as the source noted, was just about 6 inches away from blowing the win over Indiana.
The injury news lands at a time when the Buckeyes defense has been trending upward since the Illinois game. That outing felt like a low point, with Ohio State giving up more than 200 rushing yards and allowing big gains throughout the day.
USC’s offense may not be overwhelming across the board, but with Maiava under center, the Trojans still bring enough firepower to make life difficult. Losing Timmons would be a real blow for Ohio State, even if it’s not one the Buckeyes can’t survive. He’s become a key piece of a defense that is starting to find its footing.
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Even without the score showing up, the moment fit the kind of profile Ohio State has been chasing early in McKnights recruitment. He is already on the radar as one of the more intriguing young defensive backs in the state, and nights like this only reinforce why the Buckeyes are pushing to stay in front with him as his recruitment develops. [Read more 🡒]