In its first game since a loss to Oregon two weeks ago, the Ohio State football team will reportedly be without starting safety Lathan Ransom vs. Nebraska today.

Ransom, who had played in each of the Buckeyes' first six games this season, is considered day-to-day, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The exact injury is still unknown, although Ohio State radio announcer Paul Keels said Ransom had been in a walking boot this week, per Bucknuts' Jonah Booker.

This season, Ransom has recorded 28 tackles, forced a pair of fumbles, and recovered one against Akron which he returned for a touchdown.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin gives a thumbs up while walking off the field after the game of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Ole Miss defeated Duke 52-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin loses 2-way athlete armed with 22 offersLorenzo J Reyna ·
It's time that HBCU athletics leaders take inspiration from the NBA and look to innovate with their media rights.
HBCUs must innovate with sports media rights; use the NBA as inspirationRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins runs by Notre Dame defenders during the second half
Michigan football, Notre Dame finalists for 4-star DLScotty White ·
A Michigan Wolverines marching band color guard flag member carries the Michigan flag across the field before the Wolverines played against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Michigan football battling 3 CFP contenders for 4-star EDGEScotty White ·
Florida A&M is under scrutiny for low pass rates in its law and nursing programs. The university has plans to enhance student outcomes.
Florida A&M lands JUCO QB after losing Kent State starRandall Barnes ·
A general overall view of a United States flag and fireworks during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Southern California Trojans and the Stanford Cardinal at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
5-star TE has a message for the country after USC football commitmentScotty White ·

The Buckeyes surely hope that despite Ransom's absence they will be able to recover from their loss to Oregon with an emphatic win against Nebraska. Ohio State is favored by more than three scores (-25.5, according to FanDuel) and would seem to be a bad matchup for the Cornhuskers, who were crushed by Indiana 56-7 last week in Bloomington. In that game, Nebraska turned the ball over five times, was held to just 70 rushing yards, and allowed the Hoosiers to complete 80% of their passes and gain 6.5 yards per carry.

Ohio State, currently ranked fourth in the country, suffered its first defeat of the season two weeks ago in Eugene. In a one-point loss on the road, the Buckeyes offense lost a season-high 2 fumbles and was penalized the most it had so far this year.

The defense proved to be more of a concern against the Ducks, however; after holding each of their first five opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards, the Buckeyes surrendered 341 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air against Oregon. Additionally, the Ducks rushed for a season-high 155 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, and 2 touchdowns. In total, Oregon gained 496 total yards, 232 more than any other OSU opponent, and averaged 7.6 yards per play.

Despite having inarguably its worst defensive game of the season so far, Ohio State fell to Oregon by just a point in a hostile environment. Now back at home today for Nebraska, the Buckeyes have a good opportunity to get right before a highly anticipated road game vs. Penn State next weekend.