As the college football world turns its gaze toward Columbus, Ohio, there’s one thing that has Buckeye Nation holding its collective breath: health. The pursuit of a national championship is rarely linear, and the path to glory is often littered with adversity. On Friday, the Ohio State Buckeyes received an injury update that has the potential to fundamentally alter their 2025 season—both for better and worse. The news revolves around one of the most pivotal figures on the roster and has already begun to ripple through the program, coaching staff, and fan base alike.
It started with murmurs out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center that one of Ohio State’s key contributors, linebacker C.J. Hicks, had suffered a lower leg injury in practice earlier in the week. Hicks, widely projected as a breakout star this season, was expected to be the anchor of the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps—a dynamic playmaker with speed, range, and instincts that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Early reports described the injury as a potential season-ending blow, triggering a wave of concern across Buckeye Nation. However, Friday’s official update from head coach Ryan Day offered a mixed but far more optimistic tone.
According to Coach Day, Hicks has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain—not the devastating fracture or ligament tear some had feared. While the injury will still sideline him for several weeks, medical staff now project a return in time for the heart of the Big Ten schedule. This news, while not entirely comforting, represents a major sigh of relief for the Buckeyes. In a season where the margin for error is razor-thin, having Hicks back for crucial matchups against Penn State and Michigan could be the difference between playoff contention and disappointment.
Hicks’ presence on the field is more than just symbolic. He’s been the emotional leader of the defense, embodying the type of sideline-to-sideline intensity that defines elite college linebackers. His ability to read plays, shoot gaps, and disrupt passing lanes gives the defense a flexibility that few teams can replicate. Losing him, even temporarily, forces a shuffle in the linebacker room and demands the immediate development of younger players who might not have been projected as major contributors in 2025.
Stepping into the spotlight during Hicks’ absence is sophomore Arvell Reese, a talented but raw linebacker from Glenville High School in Cleveland. Reese has shown flashes in practice and limited game reps, and coaches have praised his intelligence and work ethic. Still, being thrust into a starting role this early in his career will be a trial by fire. Reese will likely be flanked by veterans such as Cody Simon and Gabe Powers, but the chemistry and communication on defense will take time to build.
Ryan Day addressed this directly during Friday’s press conference. “It’s always tough to lose a player of C.J.’s caliber,” Day said. “But this is also a tremendous opportunity for the younger guys to grow. We’ve built this program on depth and competition. While we want C.J. back as soon as he’s ready, we’re confident in the guys we have to step up and get the job done.”
In the short term, the Buckeyes will need to tweak their defensive schemes to account for the temporary loss of Hicks. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is expected to lean more heavily on the 4-2-5 formation, which emphasizes speed and coverage versatility over brute strength. This may work in Ohio State’s favor against pass-heavy offenses early in the season, but it could expose them against more physical teams like Wisconsin or Iowa.
The timing of the injury also raises concerns about conditioning and training loads during fall camp. Ohio State, like many elite programs, walks a fine line between physical readiness and injury prevention. With national title expectations looming, coaches have amped up the intensity of practices, pushing players to simulate game speed in every rep. While this prepares players for the grind of the season, it also increases the risk of wear-and-tear injuries. The coaching staff will undoubtedly re-evaluate their protocols in the coming days to ensure they’re maximizing performance without compromising health.
Despite the setback, the Buckeyes still have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country. The defensive line, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, is expected to generate consistent pressure, which could ease the burden on the linebackers. Meanwhile, the secondary boasts elite talent in Denzel Burke and Caleb Downs, both of whom have been described as future first-round picks. If Knowles can effectively recalibrate the defense around Hicks’ temporary absence, Ohio State’s national title aspirations remain well within reach.
On the offensive side, the Buckeyes continue to prepare for Week 1 with Kyle McCord and Devin Brown locked in a tightly contested quarterback battle. Both quarterbacks are aware that the defense may take some time to find its footing without Hicks, which means the offense could carry more weight in the early season. Star wideout Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked receiver in the 2024 class, has already made waves in camp with his elite route running and catching radius. If the offense can put up points in bunches, it may buy the defense the time it needs to gel.
Still, there’s no denying the psychological impact of an injury to a leader like Hicks. Locker rooms are built on relationships, and players look to veterans like Hicks not only for production but also for motivation. His absence, even if brief, removes a calming presence on the field and in the locker room. It’s moments like these where team captains and coaches must step in to maintain cohesion and morale. Word from inside the program is that Hicks remains engaged, attending team meetings, mentoring younger players, and maintaining a vocal presence from the sidelines. That leadership will be invaluable as the Buckeyes navigate the season’s opening stretch.
Fans, too, are adjusting their expectations in real time. Social media lit up Friday morning with reactions ranging from relief to skepticism. While many are grateful the injury wasn’t worse, others point to Ohio State’s tough schedule and worry whether even a few weeks without Hicks could cost them a critical win. The Michigan game in late November still looms large, and the margin for error is thin. However, Buckeye fans also know that adversity is part of the game, and championship teams are defined by how they respond to it.
Looking ahead, Ohio State’s schedule provides a bit of breathing room. Early games against Toledo and Western Kentucky offer the coaching staff an opportunity to test new defensive combinations without the pressure of elite competition. The key will be getting through those games with confidence and without additional injuries. The true tests come midseason with trips to East Lansing and Happy Valley—games that will require a disciplined, cohesive defense regardless of who’s in the lineup.
If all goes according to plan, Hicks could return for the late October clash against Penn State—a game that may very well determine the Big Ten East title. Having him back at full speed by then would be a massive boost, both strategically and emotionally. The coaches are expected to take a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain. With Hicks projected to be a high NFL draft pick, managing his recovery with care is not just important for the team but also for his professional future.
Ultimately, Friday’s injury update is a reminder of how fragile the pursuit of greatness can be. One wrong step, one twisted ankle, and the trajectory of a season can shift in an instant. Yet, in adversity lies opportunity, and Ohio State has long prided itself on resilience and depth. The 2025 Buckeyes still have their eyes on the prize, and while the road just got a little bumpier, the destination remains the same. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a determined locker room, this injury may not be a death knell—it may be the crucible through which a champion is forged.
