Ohio State Defensive Tackle Eddrick Houston Helped Off Field During First Practice, Raising Concerns Ahead of Title Defense Campaign
The Ohio State Buckeyes opened fall camp with championship expectations and a roster brimming with returning talent and blue-chip recruits. But what was supposed to be a day of renewed energy and optimism took a sudden and sobering turn when freshman defensive tackle Eddrick Houston was helped off the field during the first practice of the season. As teammates paused and coaches huddled, a quiet tension fell over the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, one that reminded everyone how quickly things can change in football.
The incident occurred during a routine drill midway through practice. Observers reported seeing Houston, a 5-star signee out of Buford, Georgia, come up slowly after engaging in a one-on-one lineman drill. He appeared to be favoring his lower leg as he was helped off the field by two staff members. Though he did not appear to be in extreme pain, he was unable to put full weight on the leg. The training staff responded quickly, tending to him with care and precision while head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson looked on with concern.
For a program already under the microscope as the reigning national champion, the potential loss of a key contributor—even temporarily—is significant. Houston was expected to play a major role in Ohio State’s defensive front this season, even as a true freshman. His rare combination of size, speed, and strength made him one of the most talked-about members of the 2025 recruiting class. Many insiders believed he would be part of the rotation early, with a chance to earn starter-level reps by midseason.
Now, that trajectory is uncertain.
Head coach Ryan Day was asked about the situation following practice. True to form, he remained measured and cautious. “It’s too early to say anything definitive,” Day said. “He’s being evaluated, and we’ll know more soon. Obviously, we’re hoping for the best. Eddrick’s a great kid, a hard worker, and someone we expect to contribute this year. Right now, it’s just about making sure he’s okay.”
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles also commented briefly, noting Houston’s maturity and rapid acclimation to the system. “He’s come in like a pro,” Knowles said. “You never want to see a guy go down, especially someone who’s been doing everything right. But that’s football. We rally, we support him, and we move forward.”
It’s too soon to speculate on the severity of the injury or how long Houston might be out. The Buckeye medical staff is notoriously thorough and deliberate in its evaluations, and official updates may not come for a day or two. But even the possibility of losing a player like Houston has ripple effects—both in terms of depth and team morale.
On the field, Houston was poised to give the Buckeyes another disruptive interior presence alongside veterans like Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, and Mike Hall Jr. The hope was that Houston’s athleticism and raw power could add a new dimension to the rotation, especially in pass-rush situations. With the coaching staff emphasizing defensive line dominance as a cornerstone of this year’s title defense, his potential absence creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
Other young linemen, including redshirt freshman Kayden McDonald and sophomore Hero Kanu, may now see increased reps in practice. Depth has long been a strength of the Larry Johnson-coached units, and this year is no different. But replacing a player of Houston’s caliber—especially one who had already turned heads in summer workouts—is no easy task.
Off the field, the emotional impact of an injury during the very first practice can’t be overstated. For a team just beginning to gel, seeing a teammate helped off the field is a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport demands. Players were visibly shaken in the moments following the incident, and practice intensity dipped briefly before leaders on both sides of the ball rallied the team.
“Guys had to regroup,” one staff member said afterward. “You start the day thinking about goals and improvement and chemistry. Then suddenly, you’re reminded that none of this is guaranteed.”
Houston’s journey to Columbus was closely followed by recruiting analysts and fans alike. Ranked among the top defensive linemen in the country, he chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and others. His commitment was seen as a massive win for the Buckeyes, especially given the SEC interest. Since arriving on campus, he had quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches for his work ethic and humility.
“From day one, he’s been about the right things,” said senior lineman Tyleik Williams. “He doesn’t talk a lot, but he listens, works, and brings it every rep. We’re gonna be there for him—whatever happens.”
As the Buckeyes move forward, the coaching staff will face the delicate balance of maintaining competitive practices while protecting player health. The first few days of camp are typically heavy on fundamentals and technique installation, but physicality ramps up quickly. The Houston injury is a reminder that the margin between preparation and peril is razor-thin.
“Every year, we preach smart, fast, and physical,” Larry Johnson said during media days. “But we also preach awareness and control. These guys are elite athletes, and sometimes things happen. Our job is to minimize the risk and respond the right way when adversity hits.”
There’s little doubt that adversity has arrived early this season.
Still, for all the concern surrounding Houston’s injury, there’s a prevailing sense of perspective within the program. The team has dealt with injuries before and persevered. Leaders like J.T. Tuimoloau, Tommy Eichenberg, and Jack Sawyer have faced their own physical setbacks over the years and returned stronger. The training and rehab resources at Ohio State are among the best in the nation. If Houston’s injury proves to be less serious than feared, there remains hope that he could still be an impact player this fall.
For now, though, the Buckeyes are taking it one day at a time. Ryan Day emphasized that nothing changes in terms of the team’s focus. “We’ve got a standard we’re going to uphold every single day,” he said. “And when one of our brothers is down, we lift him up. That’s how we operate.”
Fans, of course, are already speculating online about the extent of Houston’s injury. Social media lit up with video clips and photos from practice, along with the usual swirl of rumors. But until the program releases an official update, all that remains is cautious optimism.
In the coming days, the team will continue to practice, evaluate film, and make adjustments. Houston will undergo whatever medical assessments are necessary, and decisions will be made about his availability. But the emotional impact of the moment will linger. Not because it defines the season, but because it defines the brotherhood of Ohio State football.
These are not just athletes in helmets. They’re young men chasing dreams, representing a university, and trusting one another with their health, safety, and aspirations. When one of them goes down, even momentarily, it’s felt by all.
In time, the story may shift back to rotations, schemes, and rankings. But for now, the Buckeyes—and their fans—are focused on Eddrick Houston. Not the recruit. Not the projected starter. But the teammate. The young man. The Buckeye who left the field with help, and who will soon begin the road back—wherever that road leads.
And when Coach Day next addresses the media, that’s likely what he’ll say: that this is a moment to rally around a teammate, to support and uplift, to remember what makes this program great beyond wins and trophies. Because greatness, at its core, begins with how a team responds to moments like this.
