Ohio State DT Williams to go back to Buckeyes

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterJan 3, 2024, 05:55 PM ET

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• College football press reporter.
• Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.Ohio State defensive deal with Tyleik

Williams, a second-team All-Big Ten entertainer who tied for the team lead in deals with for loss, will go back to the Buckeyes for the 2024 season.Williams announced his choice Wednesday on social media, writing that he will”always remember the memories”produced at Ohio State however”ain’t done making them yet.”He was perhaps Ohio State’s most constant defensive lineman this season, taping 10 takes on for loss while adding 3 sacks, 5 pass separations and a fumble recovery.ESPN’s Mel Kiper rates Williams as the No. 7 draft-eligible defensive deal with possibility.

ESPN’s Matt Miller last month rated Williams as the No. 3 protective deal with for the 2024 draft, behind likely first-round picks Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois)and T’Vondre Sweat (Texas). The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Williams had 5 sacks and 6.5 takes on for loss as a freshman in 2021. Ohio State is awaiting NFL draft decisions from numerous other key protectors, including linemen JT Tuimoloau and

Jack Sawyer. Tackle Michael Hall Jr. declared for the draft last week.