COLUMBUS — Junior wide receiver Julian Fleming is a game-time decision for the Buckeyes tonight against Notre Dame, and fifth-year senior receiver Kam Babb appears set to play in his first game since the 2020 season.
Ohio State has released its availability report and the only scholarship players listed as OUT are running back Evan Pryor and linebacker Mitchell Melton, both of whom previously suffered season-ending injuries in practice this summer and spring, respectively.
Walk-on cornerback Lloyd McFarquhar is also listed as out.
Babb last saw the field for the Buckeyes in the 2020 national championship game against Alabama. He has missed the 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons with knee injuries.
Babb suffered a setback in fall camp and it was thought that he may miss a couple of weeks of action, but apparently his recovery has gone well. Head coach Ryan Day said previously that they would be cautious with him, so we shall see what that means for playing time tonight. Babb is still looking for his first career catch.
Fleming has dealt with his own share of injuries throughout his career, which has been frustrating for him to deal with over his first two years. The Buckeyes are counting on him to be one of the team’s top four receivers, so missing him against the Irish would be significant. Fleming has 19 catches in his career, which is second-most on the team among wide receivers.
Speaking of significant, not having any cornerbacks listed on the availability report is newsworthy as well. Sophomore Jordan Hancock has been banged up for much of camp, but looks to be full-go now. A few weeks back, Day said all of the minor injuries at cornerback were expected to be cleared up by week one and it appears his prediction has come true.
Despite the names listed above, the Buckeyes seem pretty healthy overall.
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