Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes halfback Noah Brown (80) runs with the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buckeyes beat the Crimson Tide 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State wide receiver Noah Brown is out for the season after breaking his leg during practice in Columbus, the school announced in a statement Wednesday.
A source had previously confirmed the news to FOX Sports college football senior writer Bruce Feldman.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, Brown was among a large group of players vying for playing time as Ohio State replaces departed seniors Devin Smith and Evan Spencer. He was frequently the subject of praise from head coach Urban Meyer and teammates during the offseason.
The sophomore from Sparta, N.J., played sparingly in 2014, making one catch for 9 yards in 13 games, but was in the running for a larger role this year after dropping significant weight.
Ohio State said Brown is scheduled for surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center on Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery.
In addition to losing Brown, Ohio State will be without receivers Corey Smith, Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson for the season-opener against Virginia Tech. The trio was suspended in July along with All-American defensive end Joey Bosa for violating team rules.
The defending national champion Buckeyes were picked No. 1 in AP's preseason poll. They are the first unanimous preseason No. 1 in the history of the ranking.
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