Is Lathan Ransom playing today? Ohio State safety's availability for Week 9 explored

Lathan Ransom is a safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes. This week, the Buckeyes have a crucial game against the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions.

This game will kick off at noon on Saturday. A win will give the Buckeyes a shot at the Big Ten Championship game, especially in a conference with two undefeated teams battling for the championship.

To help the Buckeyes win against the Nittany Lions, they will need everyone available to play and the best they can.

With this in mind, will Ransom, who has recently been injured, play against the Nittany Lions?

Will Lathan Ransom play against Penn State today?

Lathan Ransom could play in the game against Penn State. Ransom missed last week's win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers with an injury that was not specified.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day shared some good news regarding Ransom's return during his press conference on Tuesday.

“We're excited to get a full week of practice out of Lathan... He got a great day of practice today, a full practice and is ready to go," he said.

Ransom's return to the safety position means Jordan Hancock can return to the nickelback position.

Hancock made the game-winning interception in the Buckeyes' victory over Nebraska last week. Day praised Hancock for his seamless transition to a different role.

Ransom's return strengthens an already strong Buckeyes defense. The team will need him to defeat a high-scoring and efficient Penn State offense.

The importance of Lathan Ransom in Ohio State's group of safeties

During the 2024 season, Lathan Ransom has recorded 28 tackles in the six games this year. He also has two forced fumbles while he leads the team.

Ransom is part of a group of safeties that have been pivotal to the Ohio State defense.

Fellow safeties Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs are two of only three players who have recorded more tackles than Ransom (43 for Styles, 30 for Downs).