Ohio State’s Biggest Offseason Win? It Starts in the Trenches
When fans think about offseason splash moves, they usually imagine five-star wideouts or edge rushers who light up highlight reels. But for Ohio State, the most important addition of the offseason didn’t come from outside the program - it came from within, right in the heart of the offensive line.
Rather than chasing headlines, Ryan Day and his staff took a more strategic approach to the transfer portal. The Buckeyes didn’t go after the flashiest names.
Instead, they focused on roster efficiency - trimming depth that wasn’t contributing and replacing it with experience. The result?
Over 30 players exited the program, but what Ohio State gained in return might prove to be far more valuable.
At the core of that strategy was a clear recognition of where things went wrong in 2025: the line of scrimmage. In both of their losses last season, the Buckeyes were outmuscled up front.
Veteran defensive lines from opposing teams controlled the trenches, and Ohio State simply didn’t have the answers. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a program that prides itself on physical dominance.
But now, the Buckeyes are flipping the script.
The return of Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Austin Siereveld gives Ohio State something it lacked last season - veteran leadership and continuity along the offensive line. And that’s not just a feel-good story; it’s the kind of move that can shape a season.
Let’s break it down.
First, the fact that all three linemen chose to come back says something. It likely means their NFL draft evaluations weren’t where they wanted them to be, sure - but more than that, it signals a hunger to improve, to finish the job they started.
These are players who know last year didn’t meet the standard in Columbus, and they’re not running from it. They’re doubling down.
Second, there’s the chemistry factor. Offensive line play isn’t just about size and strength - it’s about timing, trust, and cohesion.
You need five guys thinking and reacting as one. The left tackle has to anticipate what the right guard sees, and the center has to be in sync with everyone.
That kind of unity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through reps, through film sessions, through shared failures and hard-earned wins.
Ohio State’s offense showed flashes in 2025, but the inconsistencies were hard to ignore. Red zone execution was spotty.
Protection breakdowns popped up at inopportune times. There were moments when the unit just didn’t look in rhythm.
And while the Buckeyes still managed to put up big numbers against lesser opponents, the cracks became glaring in the biggest games - especially in the Big Ten Championship and the Cotton Bowl loss to Miami.
That’s why this trio returning is such a big deal.
Montgomery, Hinzman, and Siereveld bring not just experience, but a chance to build that elusive offensive line continuity that separates good teams from great ones. And in a season where the Buckeyes are looking to bounce back and reassert themselves on the national stage, that foundation up front might be the difference.
It’s not the headline-grabbing move fans were waiting for. But in the long run, it might be the one that matters most.