Even in a game where a lot of things are going right for the Buckeyes and wrong for the Longhorns, Ohio State did take a big loss on its defensive line. After going down on Texas' 2nd and goal play on a designed run from Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, defensive lineman Kenyatta Jackson had to be helped off the field and taken into the medical tent on the sideline.
Jackson was seen without his helmet on the sideline later in the quarter, but during the fourth quarterback Fox announced on the broadcast that Jackson would not return to the game due to an undisclosed injury.
Kenyatta Jackson being out for the game is something to watch for Ohio State.
— Austin Mock (@amock419) August 30, 2025
I don't think the defensive line can afford losing him for any significant amount of time.
This is a tough loss for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes already have three injuries on the defensive line. Head coach Ryan Day can't afford to lose Jackson for an extended period of time with the number of injuries the team is already dealing with so early on in the season.
It is unclear what exactly the injury was that Jackson is dealing with, but the fact that he isn't able to come back in such a big game means it must be serious enough. Further testing will most likely take place over the next couple of days to determine how long the elite defensive lineman will be out.
Ohio State will have to get through the rest of this game without Jackson bearing down on Arch Manning, creating pressure and mistakes on the young gunslinger. There is hope that the lack of Jackson's presence on the line isn't too detrimental to the game.
Scarlet and Game hopes that Jackson can get better soon!