Oregon star defensive end Jordan Burch is questionable against Ohio State

According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Burch's status against Ohio State is “in flux” after he suffered a lower-body injury in practice on Thursday. While Burch's specific injury and its severity are unknown, Thamel reported that the 6-foot, 295-pound defensive end “was helped off the field and appeared to be in significant pain.”

In five appearances this season, Burch leads Oregon's defense with five sacks and seven tackles for loss. He also recorded four pass breakups and recovered a fumble.

Both Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said Burch had their attention this week as the Buckeyes prepared for the top-three showdown in Eugene.

“Burch is very, very good,” Day said. “He is very athletic and strong. He’s a good pass rusher and good against the run.”

Kelly added: “His athletic ability for such a big player. You know, he's 6'5″ tall, but he plays defensive end. Most guys that big are center backs. He's a really athletic guy… You know where he is every game. He's one of those guys who can disrupt a football game.

If Burch is unable to play on Saturday, Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuitoti will jointly take his place. The second-year outside linebackers have combined for 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss in the Ducks' first five games of 2024.