Ohio State appears to have avoided a major loss at defensive tackle.
Projected starter Eddrick Houston was helped off the field after suffering an apparent lower-leg injury during Ohio State’s first practice of preseason camp. In his press conference after practice, Ryan Day said he did not have an immediate update on Houston’s status.
“I haven’t talked to the trainers. We’ll go from there once we talk to them,” Day said.
Fortunately, Ohio State received good news a few hours later. Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Houston's injury is not considered serious and does not appear to be a long-term injury, though it's unspecified how much practice time Houston may miss.
Sources: The lower body injury sustained in practice earlier today by Ohio State projected starting DT Eddrick Houston does not look like a long-term injury. The early results are that its not considered serious. pic.twitter.com/tq4j8xzy9d
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 31, 2025
Defensive tackle was already Ohio State's biggest depth concern entering camp. Houston is projected to be Ohio State’s starting 3-technique alongside nose tackle Kayden McDonald.
If Houston has to miss time while recovering, potential candidates to take starting reps in the meantime include Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore and Tywone Malone Jr. None of those defensive tackles saw regular playing time last year, however, leaving Ohio State with only unproven options at the position behind Houston and McDonald.
