Lathan Ransom Questionable, 6 OUT vs. Western Kentucky

The Ohio State Buckeyes have the injury bug hitting the safeties room for the second-straight week.

Two new names — safety Lathan Ransom and linebacker Arvell Reese — appeared on the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes' injury report this week.

Ransom is listed as questionable, while Reese is unavailable for Ohio State's 4 p.m. matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on FOX after getting injured on a kickoff in coverage last week against the Youngstown State Penguins. Wide receivers Kyion Grayes and Reis Stocksdale, tight end Zak Herbstreit, defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. and linebacker Kourt Williams II are all missing their third-consecutive game to begin the 2023 season.

Safety Josh Proctor is back after missing last week against the Penguins. He has been starting at free safety, but he could slide over and play the strong safety position if Ransom isn't able to play.

That would open up opportunities again for Malik Hartford and Ja'Had Carter at free safety. Last week, Carter had two tackles and Hartford had one in Proctor's absence.

The Buckeyes' secondary will need to be on their Ps and Qs against the Hilltoppers, who have one of the most potent passing attacks in the country for the second year in a row.

Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed is averaging 294.5 passing yards per game, contributing to the Hilltoppers' No. 12 passing attack in the country.

Western Kentucky's offense is averaging 449 yards per game and 46.5 points per game.

QUESTIONABLE:

SAF Lathan Ransom

OUT:

WR Kyion Grayes

TE Zak Herbstreit

LB Arvell Reese

DL Will Smith Jr.

WR Reis Stocksdale

LB Kourt Williams II