Ohio State starting defensive end Kenyatta Jackson is to be available against Grambling State on Sept 6.
Jackson was not one of the Buckeyes’ nine players listed as out on the availability report submitted to the Big Ten ahead of kickoff.
Advertisement
During the season-opening win over Texas last week, Jackson went down in the third quarter and did not return, casting some doubt over his status moving forward.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) chases Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
Coach Ryan Day did not reveal specifics about the nature of the injury that sidelined Jackson late against the Longhorns, but expressed optimism that it would not keep him out for a long period of time and remarked this week that he was working toward being able to play against the Tigers.
Jackson, who took over as one of the starting defensive ends following the departures of Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, had three tackles against Texas.
Advertisement
If he is limited in his return, Beau Atkinson and C.J. Hicks figure to see more snaps across from Caden Curry.
The Buckeyes often exercised caution with players returning from injury last season, especially in games against overmatched opponents, and they are favored by more than seven touchdowns against Grambling, which is part of the lower Football Championship Subdivision.
Which Ohio State players are out against Grambling State?
Tight end Max LeBlanc, defensive tackle Jason Moore and running back Anthony Rogers remain among the nine players who are unavailable this week.
Safety Brenten Jones, quarterback Mason Maggs, defensive tackle Max Roy, safety Deshawn Stewart, defensive lineman Ahmed Tounkara and wide receiver Preston Wolfe are also out.
Advertisement
There are no new additions to the unavailable list.
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow along on Bluesky, Instagram and X for more.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football DE Kenyatta Jackson available against Grambling State
