Which Buckeyes helped or hurt their stock after Game 1? Ohio State defeated Ball State 56-3 in dominant fashion, but still left some question marks.

Many different players took the field in this one, with the starters taking a well-deserved and much-needed rest before the week two matchup with the Texas Longhorns. With week one now in the books, let’s take a look at some of the players who raised and lowered their stock.

Buckeyes Falling

Phillip Daniels

Senior right tackle Phillip Daniels got the start against Ball State and struggled mightily. The Minnesota transfer started all 13 games last season as a junior in his first season with the Buckeyes, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors and posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 65.9. After a solid 2025 campaign, many expect big things from Daniels this season, but he is not off to a great start.

Daniels allowed one sack in the first half and missed key blocks, leading to pressure on Julian Sayin. When asked about the offensive line rotation, head coach Ryan Day said, “The competition continues.” The Buckeyes take on a stout Texas defensive line, headlined by Colin Simmons, next week.

Ryan Day all but confirmed there’s an open battle with Phillip Daniels coming off of the field.

“I think that is the flexibility that we have [playing depth OL], and the competition continues, and they’re pushing each other.”

— Brandon Little (@BrandonLittleBL) September 5, 2026

Beau Atkinson

North Carolina transfer defensive end Beau Atkinson got the start in the matchup against Ball State. Atkinson didn’t have his best performance, recording four tackles, zero pressures, and zero sacks. Atkinson’s struggles go back to last season, when he posted just 11 total tackles and 1 sack.

The Buckeyes are looking for production at defensive end, and Beau Atkinson hasn’t looked like the star he was with North Carolina. If something does not change, freshman defensive end Khary Wilder could quickly take Atkinson’s spot.

Buckeyes Rising

Devin McCuin

Senior wide receiver Devin McCuin put up a stout performance on Saturday and may have solidified himself as the second wide receiver behind Jeremiah Smith. McCuin had 6 catches, 97 yards, and 1 touchdown in the win. Ryan Day had great things to say about the former UTSA star ahead of week one:

“I think a lot of the guys would tell you that he’s as good as we’ve had here,” he said. McCuin will look to continue his dominance against Texas.

Jay Timmons

Freshman cornerback Jay Timmons looked the part in his first college football start. Timmons made headlines in the off-season for his strong play, and he proved everyone right against Ball State. While his one-tackle performance doesn’t pop out on the stat sheet, Timmons’ strong coverage and two pass deflections helped the Buckeyes secure a near-shutout performance.

Ryan Day has been very complimentary of Timmons and told reporters, “He just has a knack for the game, and he’s got really good instincts.” Timmons’ versatility will be crucial for the Buckeyes this season, and he will be a major part of this defense moving forward.

NEXT: Read What Legend Bey’s Performance Against Ball State Means for Ohio State Going Forward