Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Jay Timmons has been downgraded to doubtful for Saturday’s game against USC.
The true freshman had been listed as questionable on the Buckeyes’ earlier availability report. The updated Friday report from the Big Ten shows the change, while injuries themselves stay unspecified across the document.
Timmons returned to the lineup against Indiana on Oct. 17 after sitting out the previous two contests. In that game he finished with seven tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Trainers pulled him late, and he did not return for Ohio State’s final defensive series.
The nickelback missed the Iowa and Maryland games earlier in October with a hamstring issue that first surfaced against Illinois on Sept. 26. He has started when available and has given the secondary an immediate playmaking presence as a first-year player.
Through five games Timmons has 16 total tackles, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles. His career high of seven stops came in the Indiana contest. He also recovered a fumble on the opening drive against Texas in September.
Wide receiver Brandon Inniss remains listed as questionable. He missed the Maryland game with an undisclosed issue before playing the full contest against Indiana, where he caught one pass for 6 yards.
Quarterback Julian Sayin is out and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering an arm injury in the fourth quarter at Indiana. Coach Ryan Day has described the absence as indefinite while the staff prepares plans for the rest of the year and postseason.
Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson is also unavailable after undergoing foot surgery earlier this month. Freshman wide receiver Brock Boyd is among the players already ruled out, joining a list that includes safety Leroy Roker III, cornerback Brenten “Inky” Jones, tight end Max LeBlanc, receiver Amari Valerio-Hudson, offensive lineman Jaxon Powell, linebacker Eli Lee and safety Deshawn Stewart.
Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and offensive lineman Austin Siereveld do not appear on the report and are cleared to play after dealing with issues in recent weeks.
When asked Wednesday about Timmons, Day said the freshman would make the trip to Los Angeles. “We’ll see how the next couple of days go,” the coach added, noting Timmons had already made an impact on the defense.
The secondary will lean on other options if Timmons is unable to go. Jermaine Mathews Jr. has shifted inside to nickel in previous absences, with Cam Calhoun filling in outside.
No. 2 Ohio State travels to face USC on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
The Buckeyes enter the contest at 6-1 overall and 4-0 in Big Ten play. Availability for Timmons will be determined closer to game time as the team monitors his recovery.
Timmons was ranked among the top cornerbacks in the 2026 recruiting class and has earned midseason recognition, including spots on watch lists and all-freshman honors. His status remains the primary question mark on the defensive side heading into the road matchup.
