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Buckeyes' Star DL Kenyatta Jackson Praises the OL, "It's like Night and Day"
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- Buckeyes' Star DL Kenyatta Jackson Praises the OL, "It's like Night and Day"
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The end of the 2025 season was on the shoulders of two position groups: the quarterback and the offensive line.
The Ohio State offensive line stayed very healthy all season long, and when they got to their two biggest games of the season, they got beat up front. Indiana was able to push them around, and Miami was able to do the same.
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As they turned the page to the 2026 season, the Buckeyes returned four of their five starters from last year's team as a group, and they have a massive chip on their shoulder after the way last year ended.
The early reports out of camp is that they are playing at a very high level.
One of Ohio State's top defensive linemen, Kenyatta Jackson, was interviewed by the Big Ten Network last week , and he had nothing but good things to say about the Buckeyes up front.
Jackson said, "From last year to this year, it is night and day. I believe that last year (was) their first time being together. Now they've got that year under their belt. They are older, more mature. It's different... I don't know what Coach Bowen and Coach Day is doing in that O-Line room, but it is working."
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That's a report right from the horse's mouth. Jackson goes against these guys every single day and will continue to go against them for the next five months.
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The Buckeyes' offensive line is one of the most veteran groups in the entire country. Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, and Austin Siereveld have been starters on this line since 2024; Phillip Daniels joined the group last year as one of the most sought-after transfers in the portal, and he fit right in immediately.
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Looking forward to next season, Ohio State's line up front is going to be the engine for this team. Yes, they have one of the best skill-position players in the country (and likely the best overall player) in Jeremiah Smith.
However, it is really hard to get him the football if there are leaks in the line of scrimmage up front.
Furthermore, what really helps out any quarterback, but especially Julian Sayin, is a good run game.
Ohio State's rushing attack has historically been good; it was good last year, except against the best teams on their schedule.
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Week 1 vs. Texas: 34 carries, 77 yards
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Week 13 vs. Michigan: 47 carries, 186 yards
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B10 Championship vs. Indiana: 26 carries, 58 yards
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CFP Quarterfinals vs. Miami: 24 carries, 45 yards
They were not good enough last year when they needed their best. The inability to run the football made everything else harder, and the Buckeyes experienced it last year.
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This year, it is the same guys with a different mindset. They will have many opportunities to prove that they have made all of the improvements they need to make it happen in 2026.
