Kenyatta Jackson injury update: Ryan Day offers puzzling update on Ohio State DE

Ohio State coach Ryan Day offered an injury update after defensive end Kenyatta Jackson left Saturday’s contest against Texas. Jackson was caught up in the bottom of a pile during the third quarter and did not return to the game, which the Buckeyes won 14-7.

Day was questioned about the edge rusher’s status postgame, but did not reveal exactly what the injury was. He did, however, offer some good news by saying he doesn’t expect it to keep Jackson out long term.

“Kenyatta, I don’t think I can come out and say exactly what it was,” Day said. “But they took his helmet away and we’ll kind of evaluate how that is moving forward. I don’t see it being a long-term injury.”

Jackson remained on the sidelines with his teammates despite not being cleared to re-enter the game. We’ll have to await further updates ahead of the Buckeyes next matchup against Grambling State in Week 2.

Jackson emerged as a key contributor on Ohio State’s national championship team a year ago. He appeared in 15 games, totaling 16 tackles – including three for loss and 1.5 sacks. He could be in line to take a leap for the Buckeyes’ pass-rush this year following some high-profile departures, including J.T. Tuimioloau.

It sounds like he’ll still be able to fill that role this season based on Day’s comments. But whether he’ll be ready to go next week will remain something to watch.

Ryan Day credits Ohio State defense, Matt Patricia in 14-7 win over No. 1 Texas

Ryan Day knows the old adage of “defense wins championships,” but clearly defense won the day as Ohio State beat Texas 14-7. The Longhorns were No. 1 in the country and the Buckeyes, the defending national champions, were ranked No. 3.

Offense didn’t mold this game, especially early. The Ohio State defense shut down Arch Manning and the Texas offense and there was a big tip of the cap from Day and QB Julian Sayin to new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

Texas had 336 total yards, but Ohio State forced numerous turnovers on downs during the game. They also forced an interception from Manning, limiting the Longhorns to just one score.

“Well, he did a great job,” Day said of Patricia to FOX’s Jenny Taft postgame. “Our staff did a great job. I thought the play coming in was excellent. They kept fighting. I can’t say enough about these guys for the first game coming out and playing like this. It’s just a start. We got a lot to improve on. But yeah, defense really did a great job all night. A lot of respect for Arch and for Sark and they’re gonna have a great season. But man, what a great win for us to start off with such a young group.”

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.