Losing a key player to injury is every coach’s nightmare during the season. Ryan Day had to deal with this just as he and the Buckeyes were sailing smoothly through the 4-0 season. And it’s not just for a couple of games, 5-star WR Chris Henry Jr. isn’t coming back this season. 

Ohio State’s winning streak came with a price. Rivals posted the news about Chris Henry Jr.’s availability status where he’s listed as out of the season. As per the report, he suffered a knee injury which will take about six to seven months for a full recovery, meaning he’ll only be able to come back by spring in March or April. Chris Henry Jr. shared the post on X on October 5 with an optimistic three-word response saying, “I’ll be back🙏🏻”

Ohio State has five with Henry Jr. and RB TC Caffey out and WR Reis Stocksdale, OL Devontae Armstrong, and S Jayden Bonsu all listed as questionable. In contrast to Ryan Day’s pressure on the player injury front, Iowa has only two players listed out in the injury report – LB Jayden Montgomery and WR Seth Anderson. 

As far as player availability goes, Iowa has the upper hand. They’re also coming off a big 31-14 win against Minnesota with a 3-1 record. Ohio State has risen as one of the strongest contenders for the College Football Playoffs after Week 5. But will the Buckeyes’ injury report block their chance for another win against the Hawkeyes to add to their pristine undefeated record? 

Ohio State predicted as the favorite to win over Iowa 

Despite the injury report, Ohio State still tops as a top-10 offense and defense in the nation. They’re fresh off a dominant 38-7 win against Michigan State in their last game. They’ve recorded a total of 195 points and 27 touchdowns through their four games played by Week 5. But Ryan Day sounds concerned ahead of the Week 6 Ohio State vs Iowa game. 

Ryan Day called the Big Ten game a “huge challenge” because they “play physical.” So far, Iowa’s defense allowed less than 14 points per game this season. But Day seems prepared enough as he also said, “They’re gonna play the field position game. They’re trying to pin you inside the 5-yard line. We got to win the battle of field position, play well on special teams, and take care of the football.” No. 3 Ohio State enters the game as a 17.2-point favorite to win against the Hawkeyes on October 5.