Ryan Day announces key positional battle winners entering Ohio State's Week 1 matchup against Akron

The Ohio State Buckeyes have settled key positional battles entering Week 1 against Akron. Although the Buckeyes aren't too concerned with competing with a team they're more than 50-point favorites against, getting reps against another team matters.

On Tuesday, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day settled the positions of starting right guard and outside linebacker. Tegra Tshabola has won the right guard opening, while Sonny Styles is the team's weakside linebacker.

“He’s earned the right to start in this game,” Day said of Tshabola. “...He’s been one of the guys we’ve been able to count on this camp.”

Nevertheless, Day anticipates that others will also participate.

Tshabola, now in his junior season, was vying with Carson Hinzman for the position during this month's camp. Last week, Day mentioned Tshabola would get playing time against the Zips, but he chose not to declare a definitive starter until after a mock game the Buckeyes conducted last Saturday.

Hailing from West Chester, Ohio, Tshabola, a four-star recruit from the 2022 class according to 247Sports Composite rankings, took a redshirt year in 2022. He then made appearances in all 13 games last season, mainly contributing to special teams.

Hinzman held the position of starting center for Ohio State in the previous 12 regular season games. With his focus shifting to right guard, sophomore Luke Montgomery has been training at center behind Seth McLaughlin, a former transfer from Alabama.

The remaining starting roles in the offensive line are likely to be filled by Josh Simmons at left tackle, Donovan Jackson at left guard, and Josh Fryar at right tackle.

Day also verified the anticipated news about Styles. The ex-safety, having taken the bulk of the first-team drills over C.J. Hicks, with both expected to rotate this season, has emerged as the primary choice.

This development is not surprising for the true junior, who had impressive playtime last year with over 50 tackles. Having not had the experience Hicks has, the bar is set high for the esteemed recruit. Under Jim Knowles' defense, Styles is anticipated to have numerous chances to make significant contributions.