After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, Ohio State is heading into 2026 with a clear focus: get better in the trenches. The Buckeyes dropped their final two games last year, and the offensive line was a major reason why.
Julian Sayin, the highly-touted quarterback, simply didn’t have the time he needed to operate. Whether it was missed assignments or losing one-on-one matchups, the protection broke down too often, and the offense sputtered because of it.
The run game didn’t offer much relief either. Ohio State struggled to create consistent push up front, especially in short-yardage situations.
That’s not the standard in Columbus, and Ryan Day knows it. The good news?
Four of the five starting offensive linemen are set to return in 2026. The only departure is Tegra Tshabola, and while you never want to lose experience, Tshabola was the most inconsistent of the group.
His exit could open the door for a more reliable presence up front - a chance for addition by subtraction.
But the Buckeyes aren’t just banking on internal improvement. With the Transfer Portal window closed, their attention has shifted fully to the 2027 recruiting class - and they’re already making serious waves. They’ve locked in the top overall recruit in the class and are now in the mix for another game-changer in the trenches.
Ohio State has landed in the final four for five-star interior offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller, widely considered the best at his position in the 2027 cycle. Hiller, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound mauler out of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is ranked as the No. 10 overall recruit in the country.
He’s got the kind of size and athleticism that jumps off the tape - and the kind of power that offensive line coaches dream about. Along with Ohio State, Hiller is also considering Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida.
Adding a player like Hiller would be a major win for Ohio State’s offensive identity. He’s the type of interior lineman who doesn’t just hold his ground - he moves people.
Whether it’s driving defenders off the ball or climbing to the second level to seal linebackers, Hiller brings the physicality and technique that can anchor a run game. And that’s exactly what the Buckeyes need, especially when it comes to establishing dominance between the tackles.
There’s still a long road ahead in Hiller’s recruitment. A final decision isn’t expected for a while, and National Signing Day is even further down the line. But Ohio State is firmly in the mix - and with their recent recruiting momentum, they’ve got every reason to believe they can land him.
For a program that’s looking to reassert itself as a national title contender, building a dominant offensive line is a must. And Maxwell Hiller could be a big piece of that puzzle.