Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will be available for the Illinois game on Saturday. His status was updated by head coach Ryan Day as the team arrived at its hotel in Champaign ahead of the game this weekend.
Jackson’s status was up in the air after he had to leave the Minnesota game with a reported upper-body stinger. The injury occurred after Jackson laid a big hit on Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey that left him on the ground for several moments before heading off the field and not coming back in the second half.
“Kenyatta’s here, so he’ll be available and ready to roll,” Day told reporters at the team’s hotel.
Jackson is a key part of the OSU defensive line. He possesses an unbelievable skill set and is usually the starter at defensive end, along with Caden Curry off the other edge. So far in 2025, Jackson has six tackles with two tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup.
The Buckeyes are in the building!
Ohio State is here in Champaign for the top 20 matchup.
Ryan Day says Kenyatta Jackson did travel with the team and will be ready to go tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/10DXfoqYBp
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) October 10, 2025
It remains to be seen how available Jackson will be. Will he start? Will he come into the rotation but not be utilized as much, or will he just dress and only come into the game if needed? My guess is that he’ll be a pretty big part of things unless things get out of hand.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State coach Ryan Day updates game status of Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
