It's time to turn the page from the thrilling win over Northwestern to the next game on the schedule as the Oregon Ducks prepare to go on the road for the biggest game of the season. Coming into the season, the stakes for the matchup with Ohio State were expected to be much higher, but the Buckeyes are still ranked 11th, which would make an upset win sweet for Dan Lanning and company.
While Julian Sayin and Dante Moore won't play in this game, both teams are loaded with elite players that can still make this an incredible matchup. Heading into the weekend, 5 Ohio State Buckeyes may be keeping the coaching staff up at night as they try to figure out ways to win the game.
The 5 Ohio State Buckeyes that can create problems for the Oregon Ducks
Jeremiah Smith - Wide Receiver
Life is far easier on Luke Fahey than most quarterbacks given the fact that he can throw the ball to the best receiver in the country, and no matter how many defenders are thrown at him, Jeremiah Smith can bring it down. The last time the Ducks saw Smith, he ended the 2024 season, catching 7 passes for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns as a freshman in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks have a solid trio of cornerbacks to throw at Smith, but if they let him create big plays, it could get this offense rolling.
Riley Pettijohn - Linebacker
After losing the likes of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese to the NFL, Riley Pettijohn has stepped up, and become an elite linebacker for Ohio State. This season, Pettijohn has racked up 27 tackles with a pair of sacks and an interception. When you watch the Buckeyes, Pettijohn is constantly around the ball, and he'll certainly make an impact in this game.
Bo Jackson - Running Back
With Julian Sayin sidelined, Ohio State's biggest goal should be to establish the run, and take the pressure off Luke Fahey. Against USC, Jackson carried the ball 21 times for 121 yards, and he should be in for a big workload again this weekend. Jackson isn't the biggest threat as a receiver, but if he gets rolling carrying the ball, the Buckeyes can easily shorten this game.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. - Edge Rusher
Coming off a 6.5 sack season, Kenyatta Jackson hasn't taken the massive step forward Ohio State typically gets, but he's still a dangerous pass rusher. The Oregon offensive line has struggled this season, and Ohio State's defensive line may be their toughest test yet. The entire defensive front is going to be tough to slow, but Oregon can't let Jackson make the game changing plays off the edge that he can create.
Jay Timmons - Free Safety
Ohio State was without Free Safety Jay Timmons for the USC game, and it showed, as he's been one of the most impactful players for the Buckeyes. The freshman is allowing an NFL passer rating of just 59.4 on the season with 5 pass breakups, and he brings the ability to line up all over the field like Caleb Downs. If Timmons can go for the Oregon game, he's the type of player who can force Dylan Raiola into a mistake that can flip the game in the Buckeyes' favor.
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