Ohio State just locked in a major piece of its offensive foundation for 2026 - and it’s a familiar face in the middle.
Starting center Carson Hinzman announced he’s returning to Columbus for his final collegiate season, giving the Buckeyes a steady hand at one of the most critical positions on the field. With quarterback transitions and a shifting offensive identity potentially on the horizon, Hinzman’s return isn’t just a win - it’s a stabilizing force for a unit that thrives on continuity.
This marks the second dose of good news for the Buckeyes’ offensive line this week. Guard Luke Montgomery also confirmed he’s coming back for his senior season, giving Ohio State two returning starters in the trenches.
The team is still waiting on left tackle Austin Siereveld to make his decision about the NFL Draft, but there’s optimism in the building that he might stick around, too. He has until the end of Wednesday to make it official.
Let’s talk about what Hinzman brings back to the table. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a solid 73.6 overall grade last season across 841 offensive snaps - a strong showing for a center tasked with anchoring both the pass and run game. He graded out at 76 in pass protection and 71.9 as a run blocker, showing a well-rounded skill set that gives Ohio State flexibility in how it wants to attack defenses.
Next season will be Hinzman’s fifth in Columbus, and his journey has been anything but linear. A four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he was ranked No. 188 overall and the No. 9 interior offensive lineman by 247Sports. He famously chose Ohio State over his hometown Wisconsin Badgers - a program he grew up dreaming of playing for - and redshirted his first year on campus.
In 2023, he earned the starting center job and started all 12 regular-season games, though his performance had its ups and downs. Then came 2024, a season that tested both his patience and versatility.
After Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin arrived and took over the starting center role, Hinzman began the year on the bench. But injuries opened the door again - when Josh Simmons went down and Donovan Jackson had to slide out to tackle, Hinzman stepped in at guard and later returned to center when McLaughlin got hurt.
He didn’t just fill in - he delivered. Hinzman played 596 offensive snaps that season and became a key piece of the Buckeyes’ national championship-winning offensive line. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure cemented his value to the program.
Fast forward to this past season, and Hinzman was back in a full-time starting role, anchoring the line through all 14 games. His durability, leadership, and experience make him more than just a returning starter - he’s a tone-setter for the entire offense.
With Hinzman and Montgomery back, and potentially Siereveld too, Ohio State is building a formidable foundation up front. That’s great news for whoever lines up under center in 2026 - because success in Columbus has always started in the trenches.