Penn State’s season has been riddled with misfortune since starting 3-0. The Nittany Lions suffered four straight losses, leading to the firing of James Franklin and the appointment of Terry Smith as interim coach. They also lost first-choice quarterback Drew Allar for the season due to injury, and they’re reeling on the ropes in the Big 10 Conference and the college football playoff picture.
The woes kept piling up for Penn State and interim coach Terry Smith, though, even if the game against Ohio State begins in a little over an hour. This, as quarterback Jaxon Smolik is ruled out of the game against the unbeaten Buckeyes (7-0).
Why Jaxon Smolik Was Ruled Out for the Game Against Ohio State?
According to a tweet from 247 Sports’ Tyler Donohue, the redshirt sophomore was ruled out for the game against Ohio State as his left wrist/hand injury issues continue to prevent him from playing as QB2 for starter Ethan Grunkemeyer.
Penn State QB Jaxon Smolik is OUT vs Ohio State, leaving freshman Bekkem Kritza (out with an injury issue through seven games) as primary backup behind Ethan Grunkemeyer.
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>There are no other two-deep players sidelined today. Reserve DT Owen Wafle will miss this matchup.— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) November 1, 2025
The injury now leaves freshman Bekkem Kritza to be Grunkemeyer’s replacement in case Penn State’s first choice signal-caller gets bottled up or plays poorly against Ohio State.
MORE: Terry Smith Issues Punishment Message as Penn State Faces $75M Impact of James Franklin Firing
Smolik suited up for two games this season for the Nittany Lions. First was in the team’s 46-11 win over Nevada on Aug. 30 where he didn’t put up any stats.
In the game against Iowa on Oct. 18, Penn State interim coach Terry Smith used Smolik mainly for second and third-down scenarios that required short gains. He ran with the ball four times and had a net gain of three yards against the Hawkeyes.
Smolik is not the only Penn State player ruled out for the game against Ohio State. Smith announced that defensive tackle Owen Wafle is also out for the matchup, further reducing the Nittany Lions’ defensive depth. Wafle can also play fullback in offensive packages, which makes him a dual-threat player.
Starting QB Ethan Grunkemeyer had a game to forget last time out for the Nittany Lions. He surrendered two interceptions and passed for 93 yards yet they lost by one to Iowa. Kaytron Allen was the team’s top standout for the game with 145 yards rushing in 28 carries and two TDs.
The game will kick off at noon ET at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
