Ohio State center Carson Hinzman makes decision on Buckeye future

Ohio State has a veteran and talented center to anchor the middle of the offensive line. Returning center Carson Hinzman announced his decision to return to the Buckeyes for a fifth-year on Wednesday to presumably improve his NFL draft stock and to solidify an OSU offensive line that has to be better than it was in the postseason this year.

A Wisconsin native, Hinzman was redshirted his first season but was thrust into the starting lineup the following year before falling behind on the depth chart during the 2024 season. Because of the injury to starting center Seth McClaughlin at the tail end of the year, however, Hinzman again found his way back in the starting lineup and excelled, helping OSU to the College Football Playoff national championship.

He started all 14 games as the unquestioned leader in the middle of the offensive line as center in 2025 and is poised for a year in which he can build on that experience in 2026. He joins Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery as offensive linemen with draft decisions to make who will be returning to the Buckeyes. We are still waiting on the decision from Phillip Daniels , but there's a chance that what was OSU's weak spot at times could be a strength in 2026.

We will continue to bring you player, personnel, and any other Ohio State news that pops during this interesting season in college football as it becomes available.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football center Carson Hinzman announces NFL draft plans