Ohio State sophomore cornerback Devin Sanchez was carted off to the locker room during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Oregon after suffering an apparent right ankle injury. While covering a punt, Sanchez seemed to twist his right leg awkwardly as he decelerated, which was followed by visible distress around his ankle.
Dominick Kelly Replaces Injured Cornerback During Defensive Series
After receiving initial care in the medical tent, the 20-year-old was wheeled out of the stadium and into the locker room via cart. In response to the starting cornerback’s absence, Dominick Kelly took over his role on the field for Ohio State’s ensuing defensive set.
Devin Sanchez Joins Ohio State as Top-Ranked Recruit
Upon his arrival at Ohio State, Devin Sanchez brought with him a stellar profile as one of the country’s most sought-after defensive recruits. The Houston North Shore standout was a five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 1 cornerback, No. 5 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the top player in Texas by 247Sports. He committed to the Buckeyes on January 6, 2024, during the All-American Bowl, choosing Ohio State over Texas A&M and Alabama, which were the other schools in his final list. His pledge was also the first by a five-star cornerback to Ohio State since Jeffrey Okudah in 2017.
Devin Sanchez was carted to the locker room after suffering a lower-extremity injury on an Ohio State punt return. pic.twitter.com/rc022IhXDe
Backup Options
Sanchez’s inaugural campaign in Columbus provided a chance to mature and accumulate playing time. He appeared in all of the team’s games as part of the cornerback rotation, accumulating 15 tackles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. He was expected to be a starter opposite Jermaine Mathews Jr. for the 2026 season. If Sanchez is unable to play, Ohio State might utilize Dominick Kelly, who transferred from Georgia, or Cam Calhoun, who previously played at Alabama, to cover one of the Buckeyes’ starting cornerback spots.
