The Ohio State Buckeyes have faced several suspensions of key players in recent years due to various violations of NCAA rules.
These incidents have impacted both the football and basketball programs, highlighting the importance of compliance and accountability within collegiate athletics.
Football Program
Chase Young (2019 Season)
In 2019, defensive end Chase Young, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, was suspended for two games after accepting a personal loan from a family friend to cover living expenses.
Although Young repaid the loan and acknowledged his mistake, the NCAA enforced the suspension to maintain the integrity of amateurism rules.
Bennett Christian (2023 Season)
Tight end Bennett Christian was suspended for the entire 2023 season after testing positive for a banned substance.
Christian admitted to taking a supplement that unknowingly contained a prohibited substance, emphasizing the importance of verifying the contents of supplements before use.
Caden Davis (2025 Season)
Walk-on defensive lineman and social media influencer Caden Davis was dismissed from the team ahead of the national championship game.
The dismissal followed controversy over misleading behind-the-scenes footage he posted, which was not from an actual game, raising concerns about team integrity and media representation.
Basketball Program
Scotty Middleton (2025 Season)
Freshman guard Scotty Middleton was suspended for a game against Penn State due to a violation of team rules.
Middleton had been contributing significantly to the team’s backcourt but was temporarily sidelined to address the infraction and reinforce team discipline.
These suspensions serve as reminders of the NCAA’s strict adherence to rules governing amateurism, eligibility, and conduct.
They also underscore the challenges faced by student-athletes in balancing their athletic commitments with personal decisions. Ohio State University has taken steps to educate and monitor its athletes to prevent such incidents, aiming to uphold the integrity of its programs.
While these suspensions have temporarily affected the teams, they also provide opportunities for other players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities, contributing to the depth and resilience of the Buckeyes’ athletic programs.
