Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julian Fleming Game-Time Decisions For UT

COLUMBUS — All-American wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is once again a game-time decision for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is slated to kick off against Toledo tonight at 7:00 pm and depending on how the pregame warmups go, the Buckeyes could have their top playmaker back for the first time since the season opener.

Smith-Njigba caught just two passes for three total yards in week one against Notre Dame.

Without Smith-Njigba last week against Arkansas State, sophomores Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka combined to post 11 receptions for 302 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

The Buckeyes could also be returning junior wide receiver Julian Fleming, who has yet to play this season. Fleming is one of two game-time decisions for Ohio State this weekend.

Fleming is still waiting to get on the field following a Rose Bowl where he caught a career-high five passes.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day mentioned earlier in the week that they were hopeful to get fifth-year senior Kamryn Babb back this week as well, but that will not happen as Babb is listed as unavailable.

Babb has not played in a game since the national championship game against Alabama in 2020.

Sophomore cornerback Jordan Hancock is also out this week. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was hoping to have Hancock back this week but they will continue to bring him along slowly. Day labeled Hancock’s setback in camp as a significant injury, but they do expect him back sooner rather than later.

Redshirt sophomore tight end Joe Royer is a new name on the unavailable list. The Buckeyes have been comfortable playing Cade Stover, Mitch Rossi, and Gee Scott as their top three tight ends this season so far, but Royer is the next guy up and they don’t want to lose him for too long.

Here is the full list of names on the availability report that was released by Ohio State today.

Game-Time Decision
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR Julian Fleming

Unavailable
DE Omari Abor
WR Kamryn Babb
SAF Jantzen Dunn
CB Jordan Hancock
SAF Jaylen Johnson
DE/LB Mitchell Melton
DL Zach Prater
RB Evan Pryor
TE Joe Royer

LB Teradja Mitchell

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