Although he was available last week against Michigan State, Tyleik Williams didn’t play for Ohio State as he worked his way back from an injury. This week, Ryan Day expects that to change.

Day said the Buckeyes expect Williams to play in Saturday’s game against Iowa. He missed two games with an undisclosed injury, but it sounds like he’ll be back on the field for Week 6.

Williams is a key piece of the Ohio State defensive line and is coming off a career year. He totaled 53 tackles in 2023, including 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. In two appearances this season, he has nine tackles, two for loss and 1.5 sacks.

But Williams’ return isn’t just significant for the box score. Day said the defense as a whole can benefit from the leadership he brings. That’s why the Buckeyes are ready to get him back on the field.

“Tyleik’s a great player, but like you said, he’s a leader,” Day said of Williams. “He does a lot of communication there. One thing about Tyleik, he’s got a very, very high football IQ. There were times where we did miss him. But it was good to see other guys step up, too, and we need to continue to see that.

“But there’s no question that he’s a very, very strong player. Makes a lot of plays, but also has leadership. He’s been in the program for a while and has strong relationships with everybody on the team, but in particular, the guys up front. Helps in that part of it, for sure. Good to have him back this week.”

Ohio State takes a 4-0 record into Saturday’s matchup against Iowa and is coming off a resounding victory over Michigan State last week. Emeka Egbuka led the way with 96 yards and a touchdown while Jeremiah Smith had 83 yards and a score to help the Buckeyes get the 38-7 win. Smith also took a 19-yard carry into the end zone for his first rushing touchdown of the season.

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