Ohio State football navigates spring practice with four returning starters, but major questions on the right side of the offensive line.
Ohio State turned in a strong and productive 2025 season, but the right side of the offensive line remained a consistent weakness. The Buckeyes return four of five starters, with Tegra Tshabola being the lone departure after transferring to Kentucky for his final season.
With Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery, Phillip Daniels, and Austin Siereveld back, the right side of the line presents a major opportunity for a new starter to emerge at either guard or tackle.
Austin Siereveld and Philip Daniels were ruled out for the rest of the spring by head coach Ryan Day on Monday. He said they will both return for a “full summer and fall camp,” and noted they underwent minor procedures. Day did not seem concerned about their health, though he mentioned the importance of reps and continuity, especially on the offensive line.
Carson Hinzman on why he returned to Ohio State:
🗣️ “I love the guys around here. Very few and far between do you find a culture this close of good football players.”
Hinzman also noted he wants to develop further, improve his skills, and do whatever he can do the team. pic.twitter.com/fFRLtzoJjp
— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) March 24, 2026
Several players are drawing the attention of head coach Ryan Day, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen as they evaluate the unit throughout spring practice.
Ian Moore
Ian Moore, entering his third season with the Buckeyes, is pushing to take on a larger role and potentially secure the starting job at right tackle. Ryan Day said early in the spring that Moore will rotate at both tackle and guard this spring as the staff evaluates his best fit. Moore earned his first career start in the win over Purdue and stepped in for Austin Siereveld during the second half of the Cotton Bowl loss to Miami, giving coaches a clearer picture of his versatility and readiness.
On Monday, Ryan Day named Ian Moore alongside Carter Lowe as players stepping up and flashing this Spring. Moore looks the part as a physical offensive lineman, so elevating his level of play aligns with his developmental plan from the Buckeyes, as Austin Siereveld and Philip Daniels remain sidelined.
Joshua Padilla
Padilla showed flashes last season while rotating with Tegra Tshabola at right guard, giving glimpses of his potential despite a reduced role. He will compete with Gabe van Sickle for a starting role this year and could rotate between guard and tackle to find his best fit on the field as Ohio State returns to its “best 5” strategy up front. The former high school wrestling standout is working to get fully healthy ahead of fall camp, which begins in late July.
Gabe Van Sickle
Gabe Van Sickle, another key rotational player last season, split time at right guard with both Joshua Padilla and Tegra Tshabola. Van Sickle started the Cotton Bowl against Miami, but Padilla replaced him after he struggled against the Hurricanes’ aggressive defensive front. This spring is an important window for Van Sickle to elevate his game and compete for a more defined role; otherwise, he may once again settle into a depth position on the offensive line.
Younger Players
Second-year linemen Carter Lowe and Jake Cook are important depth pieces heading into the 2026 season. Both are using spring practices to learn Arthur Smith’s physical, run-heavy offensive system as they continue their development. Lowe, however, has pulled ahead of Cook at the midway point of the spring.
True freshman Sam Greer, a five-star recruit and Tyler Bowen’s first commit upon joining the staff, adds more high-end potential to the depth chart. Greer has already generated buzz at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, but whether he earns second-team reps this spring remains to be seen.
What to Watch
As spring practice continues, the coaching staff will evaluate all options on the right side of the offensive line. It’s possible we see packages where Ian Moore lines up at right tackle. Philip Daniels, when he returns from injury, could also stay at right tackle with Van Sickle or Moore shifting inside to right guard.
The depth question also looms: can the young linemen provide reliable protection throughout the season? This spring will offer the first clues as to whether this could be one of Ohio State’s deepest offensive line groups in recent years.
