Ryan Day revealed a key injury update on an Ohio State football defender who had to undergo a spring surgery

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Ohio State has had quite a few players going through injury issues this spring. Ryan Day gave an update on one of the Buckeyes’ key transfer portal additions over the weekend.

The Ohio State football program wrapped up its 2026 spring on Saturday with the annual scarlet and gray scrimmage played inside of Ohio Stadium. It was a good look at many of the newcomers for Ohio State, whether it be through the transfer portal or the freshman class. 

One key transfer addition was not out there on Saturday, and he’s been out for the latter part of the spring. Head coach Ryan Day updated the status of S Earl Little Jr. on Saturday. 

Ryan Day reveals injury reason for Earl Little Jr. being out 

Day confirmed on Saturday that it’s a minor knee procedure keeping out Little for the time being. Ohio State and Little went with getting the surgery now, instead of closer to the season.

“He’ll be back here in a few weeks,” Day stated. “Just some of these things this time of year, it’s the right time to get them done so that they can get put behind us, as much as we’d love to see them continue to evolve with the defense.”

Little has been Ohio State’s starting nickel this spring taking over for Lorenzo Styles. The Florida State safety looks like he could end up holding down the starting spot this fall, though Ohio State is giving Jermaine Mathews Jr. looks there when Little has been out. Mathews is a starting outside corner for the Buckeyes, but has played inside. Ohio State has been playing Georgia transfer Dominick Kelly on the boundary when Mathews kicks inside. 

Last season at Florida State, Little intercepted four passes and forced four fumbles while making 76 tackles. It was Little’s first full season as a starter in his fourth college season and he was a difference maker for the Seminoles’ defense. Little is just one injury Ohio State has dealt with this spring.

The good news is that Little will be back on the field for the Ohio State football program this summer and will be in a spot to hit the ground running in fall camp. Little will be an important piece of Ohio State’s secondary in 2026, and that’s why they brought him to Columbus in the first place.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos