Ohio State faces challenges replacing key players ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 3:01 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their season opener against Ball State on September 5, head coach Matt Patricia must find replacements for standout defensive players Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese. Downs and Reese were critical to Ohio State's defense last season, with their unique abilities affecting opposing offenses' strategies. Patricia will need to be creative in adjusting the lineup to fill these significant gaps, especially with both players leaving at once. The Buckeyes' depth will be tested as they head into the Big Ten season, where integrating new players may take time.
- •Ohio State opens the season against Ball State on September 5.
- •Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese are leaving significant voids on defense.
- •Patricia will need multiple players to fill their roles effectively.
- •Last season, both players were instrumental in the team's defensive strategies.
- •Integration of new players may take time ahead of the Big Ten schedule.
- 3:01 PMYahoo Sports — Biggest Concerns: Replacing Ohio State’s “irreplaceables”
"It won’t be easy for Matt Patricia to fit new players into the holes left behind by Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese.
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