Ryan Day all but revealed Ohio State will be without a starter against Illinois to open Big Ten play
Ohio State is likely to start a backup for the second straight game as they open up Big Ten play against Illinois this week.
Non-conference play is over for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Big Ten conference play begins this week when Ohio State hosts Illinois in Columbus for its first conference battle of the 2026 season.
The Week 4 matchup will mark a ramp-up in what is going to be a tough Big Ten schedule, and the Buckeyes could be without an offensive starter when they take the field Saturday.
Phillip Daniels’ status remains unclear heading into Week 4
Right tackle Phillip Daniels did not play against Kent State due to an injury, and Ohio State coach Ryan Day was asked whether Daniels will be able to return against Illinois. Day referred to the new Big Ten availability report that will be released for the first time on Wednesday evening, noting that Daniels would practice in some capacity this week.
However, Day’s comments about right guard Gabe VanSickle suggest that even if Daniels suits up, he may not be starting.
“He’ll have an opportunity this weekend, most likely,” Day stated. “So this would be a great opportunity for him to grade out a champion against a conference opponent.”
Gabe VanSickle could be making third career start
VanSickle stepped in for Ohio State against Kent State and played 48 snaps in Week 3, looking solid while doing it. Daniels was originally injured against Texas, and VanSickle has filled in well since. Ohio State clearly feels good about VanSickle as its sixth offensive lineman, the first man off the bench on either the interior or exterior thanks to the flexibility of sliding Austin Siereveld over to tackle.
Still, Kent State is a lesser opponent compared to what the Buckeyes will face in Big Ten play. Illinois will be the first real conference test, and the offensive line’s ability to hold up without its traditional starting five will be key.
Time will tell whether Daniels is able to suit up for the Big Ten opener, but either way, it appears VanSickle is going to be getting the start. Ohio State will likely not have its traditional starting five up front that it opened the season with, and how the reshuffled line performs against a conference opponent will give a good look at just how good the depth is.
