COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State freshman J.T. Barrett, a Heisman Trophy contender, broke his right ankle in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s rivalry game against Michigan and will not play for the Buckeyes in next week’s Big Ten championship game or a bowl.
Barrett will undergo surgery on Sunday, a team spokesman said.
“Yeah, he’s for sure out,” coach Urban Meyer said after No. 7 Ohio State capped off a 42-28 victory over Michigan. He was on his way to talk to doctors.
Barrett had taken over the job in August when three-year starter and two-time Big Ten MVP Braxton Miller was lost for the season after shoulder surgery.
Barrett’s leg twisted underneath him when he was tackled on the first play of the fourth quarter with Ohio State holding on to a 28-21 lead.
Barrett carried on second and 1 at the Ohio State 33 with 14:45 left in the fourth quarter. He lay on the field for several minutes before his right leg was put into a temporary air cast and he was lifted onto a cart.
Cardale Jones is that next man, a seldom-used sophomore who will take Barrett’s place. Meyer said Jones would have to assume the reins when the East Division champion Buckeyes play at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against the West winner, either Wisconsin or Minnesota.
“The good thing is, he’s going to get a lot of reps,” Meyer said of Jones.