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You’re Nuts: One player not named Sayin or Smith who holds the key to beating Indiana

Ohio State’s path to a rematch with the 2025 national champion Indiana Hoosiers hinges on one player: defensive tackle Eddrick Houston. The Buckeyes’ inconsistent rush defense—allowing 141 yards to Texas and 199 to Illinois early in the season—has since improved, with Houston emerging as a key force.

After recording just one tackle in each of his first three games, he posted four tackles against Iowa and another four in the win over Maryland, signaling a late-season resurgence. Indiana’s ground attack, led by running backs Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr., will be the focal point of the Hoosiers’ offense under quarterback Josh Hoover, who has thrived with a run-pass option system.

With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza now in the NFL, Hoover’s development and the dual threats of receivers Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker add another layer of complexity for Curt Cignetti’s defense. For Ohio State, containing Indiana’s rushing game—and keeping Houston sharp—will determine whether the Buckeyes can overcome their early-season struggles and silence one of college football’s most explosive offenses.

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