The Ohio State football team is in one of the program’s most pivotal off-seasons in recent memory, how will the offensive line shake out?

Most of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ position groups are set in stone, heading into the 2024 football season, with minimal movement expected. On offense, the running back and wide receiver rooms boast arguably the best talent in the country. The quarterback and tight end rooms appear to have some depth set in stone, with some questions remaining.

The men up front leading the offense is the biggest question mark on offense, and arguably the entire team, heading into the new-look college football season. The line struggled mightily at times last season, especially in the embarrassing loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

Biggest Question Mark for Ohio State May be Up Front

There will be some new faces and starters along the line and will need to be acclimated with the new face taking snaps under center. Starting with the center position, it appears the Alabama graduate transfer Seth McLaughlin will be snapping to the new Ohio State quarterback. The 6’4. 301-pound center entered the portal after former Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban announced his retirement after a decorated career.

Three months ago, McLaughlin was amongst the many who transferred right away, along with now-Buckeye safety Caleb Downs. McLaughlin started at Alabama last season and has 24 starts and 35 appearances over the past three seasons. He has played in three college football playoffs and will be a veteran presence on the line.

To his left and starting at left guard will be Donovan Jackson. Jackson will be the likely only familiar face starting up front for the Buckeyes as they revamp the unit. Jackson will likely have a familiar face to his left as well, but with transfers still happening a lot is yet to be decided. The 6’4, 320-pound senior is in his third year at Ohio State and started 13 games at left guard during the 2022 season. He also started last year, has multiple Big Ten honors, and will help bolster up the run and pass blocking for the left side of the unit.

Next to Jackson and starting at left tackle is likely to be another starter from last season but is not as set in stone. Josh Simmons, a 6-5, 310-pound senior could see more time at the left end of the line in 2024. Simmons is in his second season in the scarlet and gray after spending two seasons at San Diego State where he started all 13 games in 2022. He and Jackson will be huge to help build holes and give the quarterback time to find the talented receivers out wide. If the left side of the line can do their part as an experienced group, it could be a more favorable direction for the team to run through.

Starting on the right side of McLaughlin at right guard could likely be Josh Fryar again. Fryar is a 6-5, 320-pound senior who started all 13 games in the right tackle for the offense last season but struggled throughout the year. His move inside could be evident if the team adds a tackle in the portal or has someone take the reins of the battle for right tackle. Fryar has experience playing guard and would have a relatively smooth transition to the role.

Right tackle remains a glaring hole for the Buckeyes with two names likely to emerge as first-time starters. Luke Montgomery is a 6’5, 308-pound sophomore who saw snaps last season and would provide depth if he ends up not starting. Tegra Tshabola is a 6’6, 327-pound junior who will likely be in a battle with Montgomery to grab the right tackle, and potentially right guard starting spots.

Other names along the line to keep note of, barring any transfers in or out include Carson Hinzman, Enokk Vimahi, and Toby Wilson. The Buckeyes have some questions on their hands for a unit that underperformed last season in some of the team’s biggest moments. Some battles will be had throughout the spring and summer, and hopefully, this unit becomes a sign of strength for the team as they seek a return to the expanded college football playoffs.