If Ohio State had gotten a little more out of its offensive line in the Cotton Bowl, we might be talking about a national championship appearance right now. Instead, the Buckeyes' season ended with a familiar frustration - protection issues up front, especially on the right side, that stalled drives and left quarterback Julian Sayin fighting uphill.
The struggles in the trenches weren’t new. Over the final two games of the season, the offensive line faltered when it mattered most.
The right side, in particular, was a revolving door, with Tegra Tshabola drawing the most attention - and not in a good way. He had trouble holding his ground and was replaced multiple times during the year.
Tshabola has since transferred to Kentucky, and while a fresh start might serve him well, the Buckeyes are focused on shoring up what remains.
The good news? The left side of the line held steady throughout the season, and now Ohio State is bringing back its core. Luke Montgomery announced his return just before the NFL Draft declaration deadline, and he’ll be joined by Austin Siereveld and Carson Hinzman - meaning the Buckeyes retain their starting left tackle and center, two critical pieces in any offensive line rebuild.
This trio coming back is massive for Sayin, who showed flashes of brilliance in his first year but often didn’t have the time to let plays develop. In the Cotton Bowl loss to Miami, the pocket collapsed far too quickly, forcing rushed throws and missed opportunities. With Hinzman anchoring the middle and Montgomery and Siereveld locking down the left side, the Buckeyes have a foundation they can build on - both in pass protection and in the run game.
And that’s where new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen steps in. His job?
Turn this experienced group into a cohesive, dominant unit. It’s not just about keeping Sayin clean; it’s about giving the Buckeyes the balance they lacked down the stretch.
Better blocking opens up the playbook, keeps defenses honest, and lets this offense play to its full potential.
Four of the top five linemen returning is a big deal - not just for continuity, but for confidence. Sayin knows he’ll have familiar faces in front of him, guys who’ve been through the battles and know what it takes. That kind of chemistry matters, especially when the margin between playoff hopeful and national contender is razor-thin.
Ohio State’s path back to the top starts in the trenches. If the line holds up, the Buckeyes have the talent everywhere else to make a serious run. And with Sayin entering Year 2, there’s reason to believe this offense can take a big step forward - especially now that its backbone is staying intact.