Ohio State Buckeyes interior defensive lineman Eddrick Houston is primed to do major things this season, setting the stage for Kenyatta Jackson Jr. to unleash hell on opposing backfields by plugging holes in the middle, but also having the breakout year that should've happened in 2025.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik predicts Houston to be one of five Buckeyes with the chance to become the next Arvell Reese, who darted up draft boards during the 2025 season to become the No. 5 overall pick at the 2026 NFL draft.
Per Krajisnik, "Many expected last year to serve as Eddrick Houston’s breakout season. However, injuries and inconsistent play led to a disappointing sophomore campaign for the defensive tackle. Perhaps those who had high hopes for Houston were never wrong, though. They could have just been a year early. Houston is a former five-star prospect who signed as part of the Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class. He started as a defensive end but transitioned inside during his freshman season, eventually playing an important role during OSU’s national title run. He opened the 2025 campaign as a starting defensive tackle, but he wound up splitting reps with Tywone Malone Jr. During the back end of the season, Houston showed signs again of what he can become. Five of his nine pressures came in the final four games. At 6-3, 292 pounds with a background as an edge rusher, a strong junior season could make Houston a high-level NFL prospect."
Eddrick Houston looking to set stage for big 2026 with off-field rebound
Houston suffered a right knee injury in fall camp that required him to wear a knee brace. Truthfully, Ohio State never recovered from that. Houston cited mental health struggles in facing a nagging injury that was holding his play back. He had called the injury a "scare" last August, but was affected far more than he put on.
With those injury woes mostly behind him, and with improved physical health, which ties into the mental health aspect, Houston has every chance to succeed this fall in Matt Patricia's defense and help replicate the brilliant team efforts he was a part of during his first two campaigns in Columbus.
It's been a long road for Houston, but he just may now be getting to the good part. Of course, the best part would be next April, walking across the stage after hearing his name called by Roger Goodell in the 2027 NFL draft's first round.
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