Ryan Day confirmed a serious injury for one Ohio State defender.

During Monday’s press conference, Day revealed linebacker Kourt Williams sustained a torn ACL in training camp. Williams previously sustained a torn ACL earlier in his Ohio State career and battled injuries last season.

Williams appeared in 6 games last season and had just 4 tackles. He was transitioning to linebacker this offseason and was named a team captain for the 2022 season. He is expected to miss the entire 2023 season with his latest injury.

Williams came to Ohio State with high expectations as a 4-star recruit. The 247 Sports Composite rated WIlliams as the No. 166 overall prospect in the 2020 recruiting class.

The best season for the 4th-year player came in 2021 when Williams produced 28 tackles, 4 TFL and a sack. Here’s wishing the best for Williams as he enters into rehab.

Ohio State’s defense maintains a deep group at linebacker with Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers returning and former 5-star recruit CJ Hicks fighting for playing time. Still, it is a tough blow for one of the program’s team captains looking to produce a healthy year.