Ohio State DT Eddrick Houston injury not expected to be long-term

COLUMBUS — Eddrick Houston appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario from his injury sustained during the first day of Ohio State training camp.

Houston did not suffer a long-term injury when he went down late in Thursday practice inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Lettermen Row has confirmed. The news was first reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN.

“The lower body injury sustained in practice earlier today by Ohio State projected starting DT Eddrick Houston does not look like a long-term injury,” Thamel said in a post to X. The early results are that it’s not considered serious.”

Sources: The lower body injury sustained in practice earlier today by Ohio State projected starting DT Eddrick Houston does not look like a long-term injury. The early results are that it’s not considered serious. pic.twitter.com/tq4j8xzy9d

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 31, 2025

Houston, a trendy All-Big Ten pick and expected star for the Buckeyes on the defensive interior, did not return to practice Thursday after leaving the field with trainers helping. Defensive tackle Eric Mensah entered the drill in place of Houston, with the caveat that the defensive line was split among two fields.

Ohio State has been concerned about defensive tackle depth all offseason, even looking into the transfer portal for additional reinforcements before deciding to stay put with the defensive tackle depth on the roster.

The Buckeyes have seen good progress from depth pieces Tywone Malone, Will Smith Jr. and others. But Houston is slated to be one of the biggest and most important pieces of this defense entering his second season of college football.

Now Houston’s status is uncertain after an injury. He does, however, appear to have avoided a long-term injury in the opening day of Buckeyes camp.