Ohio State football defensive starter confirmed to miss Cotton Bowl due to injury

COLUMBUS, Ohio — At least one Ohio State football defensive starter will not play in the Cotton Bowl due to injury.

At the arrival press conference in Dallas on Saturday, coach Ryan Day confirmed safety Lathan Ransom will not play in Friday’s game against Missouri. Ransom, a second-year starter, has not played since Oct. 28 after suffering an apparent lower-body injury against Wisconsin.

Ransom posted 34 tackles with an interception and two pass breakups this season. He held down the bandit position, what defensive coordinator Jim Knowles calls strong safety in his system. He provided important, physical play against the run and experience in coverage.

Without him available, Sonny Styles has played more bandit and Jordan Hancock has played more at nickel. Ja’Had Carter and Malik Hartford are also available in the back end if necessary at the Cotton Bowl.

Ransom, a fourth-year player, has not yet announced his intentions for 2024. If he enters the NFL Draft, Ohio State will need to replace two starting safeties. Sixth-year safety Josh Proctor plays his final game on Friday.

Day did not have an update on whether NFL Draft-eligible players who have not said whether they will play in the Cotton Bowl will suit up Friday. That list includes receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., running back TreVeyon Henderson, tight end Cade Stover, defensive linemen Ty Hamilton and Mike Hall Jr. and linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers.

Day said the team would hold a meeting Saturday night and he expected to have an update on the status of those players later in the week.