Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett previously announced he would not play in the Rose Bowl as he looks ahead to the NFL Draft, so the front seven will be down three players.
On the flip side, senior linebacker Teradja Mitchell is available after missing the Michigan game and ends Tyreke Smith and Zach Harrison have said they intend to suit up rather than join the wave of opt-outs to hit the non-playoff bowls.
Having Mitchell and Palaie Gaoteote — who missed the last two games — available is big for a team that is so thin at linebacker the coaching staff is taking a look at tight end Cade Stover as that position this week.
Position change could bolster Buckeyes’ defense against physical Utes https://t.co/n5jnjkwBCZ
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) December 29, 2021
The Ohio State offense will be without top receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson along with left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, as previously announced.
Other players who have been out all or most of the years are also listed as unavailable: quarterback J.P. Andrade, receiver Kamryn Babb, running back Marcus Crowley, safety Jantzen Dunn, defensive lineman Tyler Friday, offensive lineman Josh Fryar, defensive back Jaylen Johnson, defensive tackle Jaden McKenzie, linebacker Mitchell Melton, offensive lineman Harry Miller, linebacker Jalen Pace, defensive lineman Noah Potter and safety Josh Proctor.
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