Story by
Buckeyes' Position Review: Offensive Line is the Lynchpin for Success in 2026
- Story by
- Buckeyes' Position Review: Offensive Line is the Lynchpin for Success in 2026
Ohio State's 2026 season has the potential to end with Ryan Day hoisting his second-ever College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy . If that is to become a reality, the Ohio State offensive line is going to need to step up.
The Buckeyes' offensive line is incredibly fascinating heading into the season. They are one of the most veteran groups in the entire country, but they also have the most to prove. They were exposed pretty heavily in the final two games of last season, and they bring back four of those five starters.
Advertisement
Those four guys are going to lead the way, and then whoever steps up for the final spot will have an incredible responsibility.
Center, Carson Hinzman, No. 75
Hinzman is where it all begins. He is the center of it all and one of the more experienced guys up front. He has been the starter for the Buckeyes for the last three years and has become one of the best centers in the country. His role was solidified in his redshirt freshman year before he had to re-earn his starting spot in the 2024 season. He got it back toward the middle of the year, and then he was a major factor in the Buckeyes' run to the Championship.
Left Guard, Luke Montgomery, No. 51
There are a couple of people who will be remembered for Ohio State's run to the National Championship in 2024-25, but Montgomery may have been the most important.
Advertisement
When the Buckeyes' offensive line was decimated by injuries, Montgomery stepped up and became a true road-grader up front. He was a critical piece in the Buckeyes' rushing attack that led Ohio State through the playoffs.
After a difficult end of the year last year, Montgomery is a leader of this team, and if they want to get back, Montgomery is going to take them there.
Ohio State Buckeyes Big Ten Media Day Recap | Curt Cignetti Blasts SEC | Ryan Day Lays out Blueprint
Advertisement
To Be Determined, Austin Siereveld, No. 67
The most versatile player up front for the Buckeyes and the most important. Siereveld came up as one of the best right guards in college football until the Buckeyes needed a left tackle. In typical Ohio State fashion, Siereveld became one of the best left tackles in the game and legitimately made himself a future top-round draft pick in the NFL.
However, next year he is going to go wherever the Buckeyes need him. If he is needed at right guard, he will play there. If he is needed at left tackle, he will play there.
Siereveld is a very good offensive lineman, one that will be remembered in Ohio State history forever.
Advertisement
Right Tackle, Phillip Daniels, No. 70
After two seasons in Minnesota, Daniels came back home to Ohio State and immediately became the starter at right tackle for the Buckeyes. He was very steady last year, showing great skill and even better durability. Right tackle was never a question, and that, obviously, is a great thing.
Left Tackle, Ian Moore, No. 69
Ian Moore is one of the most important players in this year's camp. He is one of the contenders to take over the left tackle position so that Siereveld can bump down to right guard. If Moore can prove that he can do it, the Buckeyes will have their ideal offensive line set up.
Advertisement
Right Guard, Gabe VanSickle, No. 58
VanSickle will be one of the contenders at the right guard position all throughout camp. He had a major opportunity to take over the spot for good at the end of last season, but he had two poor showings against Indiana and Miami.
He will have to really prove himself to win that spot and keep Siereveld at left tackle.
The Buckeyes will again have incredible depth across the entire line. Some of the other names who will be competing are Joshua Padilla, Carter Lowe, Deante Armstrong, and Sam Greer.
There is potential everywhere for a group that will be incredibly important for the Buckeyes to have the success they want next year.
It all starts up front and these guys will have to be great next season.
