Ohio State football: Linebackers snap-counts vs Akron and Western Michigan

As the Ohio State football team gears up to face Marshall on September 21st in a Big Noon Kickoff showdown, the Buckeyes’ linebacker rotation remains a hot topic of discussion. With depth at the position, Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has the luxury of rotating talent, but who will emerge as the starters in this pivotal game? Using player snap counts, key stats, and insights from Laurinaitis, we can begin to decipher who will take the field first, and who will provide critical depth off the bench.

The Likely Starters

Cody Simon
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: Did not play
- Vs. Western Michigan: 31 snaps

Cody Simon, the experienced leader of this linebacker group, is the top candidate to start at Mike linebacker. After missing the Akron game for precautionary reasons, Simon returned with a strong performance against Western Michigan. In just 31 snaps, he recorded three total tackles, one solo, one sack, and a pass deflection—a stat line that showcases his versatility and ability to make impact plays when needed.

Laurinaitis has high praise for Simon’s football IQ and technical skills, stating: “He’s the unquestioned leader of the group. He’s the leader of the defense, gets everybody lined up… The most overall linebacker—just because he can go anywhere, and he can do anything.” Simon’s leadership, paired with his ability to play multiple linebacker positions (Mike, Will, Sam, Tim), makes him the central figure in this rotation.

Sonny Styles
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: 55 snaps
- Vs. Western Michigan: 37 snaps

Sonny Styles is another lock for a starting spot, most likely at Will linebacker. As a former safety transitioning to a more physical role near the line of scrimmage, Styles has already made his presence felt with 92 snaps across two games. His 55 snaps against Akron included 6 tackles, and in his 37 snaps against Western Michigan, he added 4 more tackles.

Styles’ ability to adjust to the linebacker role has been remarkable, and Laurinaitis continues to trust him in key situations: “When you’re in that box closer to the line of scrimmage, it is more difficult trying to read and react, but Sonny has been reacting well.”

With his speed, tackling ability, and adaptability, Styles has solidified himself as one of the most important pieces in Ohio State’s linebacker corps, and he’s expected to start once again versus Marshall.

Key Depth Players

Arvell Reese
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: 32 snaps
- Vs. Western Michigan: 20 snaps

Sophomore Arvell Reese has been one of the more intriguing storylines in Ohio State’s linebacker rotation. Reese has accumulated 52 snaps so far, with 32 against Akron and 20 against Western Michigan. A hard-hitting linebacker with excellent blitzing ability, Reese has 7 total tackles this season and 1 QB pressure.

While Reese is pushing hard for more snaps, especially in blitzing packages, Laurinaitis may still lean on the more experienced Cody Simon and Sonny Styles to start. Expect Reese to rotate in heavily throughout the game, particularly when the Buckeyes need a pass-rush boost.

C.J. Hicks
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: 33 snaps
- Vs. Western Michigan: 16 snaps

Another player to watch is C.J. Hicks, who started the Akron game but saw a reduction in snaps against Western Michigan, playing only 16 defensive snaps in that contest. Hicks has flashed his blitzing potential with 6 tackles and 1 sack this season.

However, as Laurinaitis pointed out, Hicks needs to develop a more well-rounded game to see consistent starting opportunities. Still, his presence as a pass-rush specialist is invaluable, and he will likely see rotational snaps, especially on third downs and in passing situations.

A Possible Snap Count Increase

Gabe Powers
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: 5 snaps
- Vs. Western Michigan: 5 snaps

Sophomore Gabe Powers is making a case for more playing time as well. With just 10 snaps on the season, Powers made a significant impact in his limited time, recording an interception returned for a touchdown against Akron. Laurinaitis noted that Powers is “pushing for more confidence” and that he’s working with the young linebacker to “fix everything.” Powers is unlikely to start, but don’t be surprised if he continues to see limited but impactful snaps as a rotational player.

Need to See More

Payton Pierce
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: 5 snaps
- Vs. Western Michigan: 3 snaps

Payton Pierce has appeared in just 8 snaps so far this season. While he has yet to register significant stats, his appearance in both games shows that Laurinaitis sees potential in him. Pierce is not expected to start against Marshall but may get brief appearances late in the game.

Joey Velazquez
Snaps:
- Vs. Akron: Did not play
- Vs. Western Michigan: 1 snap

Joey Velazquez made his defensive debut with just 1 snap against Western Michigan only days after losing his black stripe in practice. Velazquez is unlikely to play a role in the rotation.

Laurinaitis’ Strategy for Rotation

In James Laurinaitis' media availability back in April, he was transparent about his approach to rotating linebackers and who should start week to week:

"“If you have six, you have six, and that’s a blessing. I feel confident with five guys, and that will be week to week. Honestly, who starts should be week to week. If you display during the week of practice that you’re locked in and somebody else has a bad mental week, well, I can’t reward you with starting.”"

- James Laurinaitis

This commitment to competition means that while Simon and Styles may be the safest bets to start against Marshall, players like Reese and Hicks could push their way into more significant roles with strong performances in practice. Laurinaitis' strategy ensures that each linebacker stays engaged and ready to contribute, no matter their position on the depth chart.

For the September 21st clash against Marshall, Cody Simon and Sonny Styles will likely start, given their leadership, versatility, and overall impact on the field. Expect Arvell Reese and C.J. Hicks to rotate in frequently, providing fresh legs and different skill sets depending on the situation.

Gabe Powers could also see time in games for short periods of time. As Laurinaitis continues to refine this linebacker unit, depth and competition will remain at the forefront, giving Ohio State the flexibility they need for a deep season run.