Ohio State Releases Initial Availability Report Ahead of CFP Quarterfinal vs. Miami
As the countdown begins for Ohio State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal clash with Miami on Wednesday, the Buckeyes have released their first official availability report of game week - and while there are no major surprises, there are a few key names to watch as kickoff approaches.
The College Football Playoff requires participating teams to submit player availability reports starting the Sunday before the game, giving fans and analysts an early look at who’s trending toward playing, who’s battling through injuries, and who’s officially ruled out. As expected, Ohio State didn’t get into the specifics of injuries - standard protocol at this level - but the designations give us a decent sense of how the roster is shaping up heading into this high-stakes showdown.
Trending Toward Playing: The “Probable” List
Six Buckeyes are listed as probable, meaning they’re expected to be available but may still be working through minor issues.
- WR De’Zie Jones: The freshman wideout has been a spark plug in limited action this season. If he’s good to go, he adds another layer of explosiveness to Ohio State’s already deep receiver room.
- RB Anthony “Turbo” Rogers: Rogers brings a different gear to the backfield - hence the nickname.
His availability adds valuable depth behind the Buckeyes’ lead backs, especially in a game where ball control and tempo could be critical.
- S Deshawn Stewart & S Cody Haddad: Having both safeties listed as probable is a positive sign for a secondary that’ll be tested against Miami’s athletic receiving corps. Stewart and Haddad have rotated in throughout the season and provide versatility on the back end.
- DL Will Smith Jr.: A rotational piece on the defensive line, Smith’s presence helps keep the front fresh - a must when facing a Miami offense that likes to run tempo and test defensive stamina.
- OL Devontae Armstrong: Armstrong’s availability gives the offensive line some added insurance, especially if the game turns into a physical grind in the trenches.
Long Shots: The “Doubtful” Designation
Two Buckeyes are listed as doubtful, which typically means they’re unlikely to play barring a significant turnaround in the next couple of days.
- DL Ahmed Tounkara: Tounkara’s potential absence could thin out the D-line rotation. While not a starter, he’s been a contributor in sub-packages and depth situations.
- OL Tegra Tshabola: Tshabola has been a key depth piece on the offensive front. If he’s unavailable, the Buckeyes may need to shuffle some responsibilities or lean more heavily on younger linemen.
Officially Out
Four players have already been ruled out for the quarterfinal matchup:
- S Malik Hartford: A tough loss for the secondary, Hartford has been an emerging presence on the back end of the defense. His absence will likely mean more snaps for younger safeties or a reshuffling of the rotation.
- WR Quincy Porter: Porter’s been working his way into the rotation, but he won’t be available for this one. Ohio State’s receiver depth remains strong, but his absence is still a hit to their overall flexibility.
- QB Mason Maggs: Maggs hasn’t seen significant action this season, but any loss of quarterback depth is notable in a playoff setting.
- DL Logan George: Another rotational defensive lineman ruled out, George’s absence further tests Ohio State’s depth in the trenches - an area that could be pivotal against a physical Miami front.
What It Means Moving Forward
While Ohio State’s core group appears largely intact, depth could become a storyline if this game turns into a battle of attrition. The good news for Buckeye fans is that several key contributors - particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary - are trending toward playing. And with a few days still to go before kickoff, there’s time for some of the probable players to move closer to full strength.
Expect updates throughout the week as more information becomes available, but for now, Ohio State enters the CFP quarterfinal with a roster that’s mostly healthy - and certainly capable of making a statement.