The unit that was a massive question mark heading into the 2024 season, the Buckeye offensive line, powered Ohio State through the College Football Playoff. Justin Frye took off for the NFL, but not before rebuilding the trenches with development and the ability to turn a makeshift group into a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. Now, with Frye and four starters gone, new Buckeye offensive line coach Tyler Bowen has his work cut out for him. However, in a short time, he has shown he’s the right man for the job.
Breaking in a new quarterback is a challenge, but the Buckeyes should have plenty of experience blocking for whoever it is. Despite losing two first-round picks, the Rimington Trophy winner, and a right tackle, there are reasons for optimism.
2025 Buckeye Breakdown: The Offensive Line
Bookend Tackle Transfers
At left tackle, transfer Ethan Onianwa is expected to step right in. “Big E” spent four seasons with Rice, with three years of starting experience. He’s a powerful run blocker who, when he gets his hands on a defender, can completely neutralize the threat. The Buckeyes fended off the likes of Florida State, Texas A&M, and Iowa to land Onianwa. The expectation is that he will start at left tackle. However, he has two years as a starting right tackle, so if someone emerges as a left tackle, Onianwa could slot in on the right. Ohio State does have the “five best linemen” philosophy, so it can happen.
Phillip Daniels grew up down I-71 in Cincinnati and was blindsided by the Buckeyes’ interest. At Princeton High School, he did not receive an offer from Ohio State, but after two seasons at Minnesota, the Buckeyes reached out. With the Golden Gophers, Daniels recorded four starts in 2024 and was expected to start this year. He was the fourth-best tackle in the portal and was awarded a 62.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.
To start, Onianwa looks more likely to slot in as a starter due to his experience and flexibility. Daniels has three seasons of eligibility, but his upside has the Buckeyes excited.
The Guard Situation
Luke Montgomery was one of the many depth pieces who stepped up and was a strength down the stretch. He began the year on the bench, but answered the call and eventually started both the Cotton Bowl and the National Championship. He flashed when given the opportunity last year and leaped off the screen, particularly while run blocking. The Findlay alumnus (and older brother of Georgia freshman quarterback Ryan Montgomery) has impressed Bowen with his athleticism and physicality.
At the beginning of the year, Ohio State needed someone to step up with Donovan Jackson sidelined. Tegra Tshabola was the first man up and started at right guard with Siereveld kicking over. As the season went on, Tshabola improved so much that his spot could also be written in Sharpie. He started every game at right guard for the Buckeyes.
Flexibility is Key
Austin Siereveld filled in a number of roles for the Buckeyes last year. He spent time at both left and right guard. Siereveld made six starts at guard and was one of the stars of Spring practice. Then, he was getting work at both tackle spots and even started at right tackle in the Spring Game. Siereveld is a football coach’s dream. No matter what is asked of him, he will give everything he has and will do well. While we may not know the exact lineup, it’s almost certain that 67 will be one of the five best linemen.
Carson Hinzman is the elder statesman of the group. After not appearing in any action as a true freshman, Hinzman was the starting center for the 2023 campaign. Unfortunately, he appeared on a podcast in the days leading up to the Cotton Bowl and was subsequently benched. Last year, he had to work his way onto the field off the bench and held his own at guard. Then, Seth McLaughlin’s injury shook everything up. Hinzman went back to his natural position and showed his growth.
With Fall practices about to kick off, the expectation is that the starting offensive line, from left to right, will be Onianwa, Montgomery, Hinzman, Tshabola, and Siereveld. Daniels will be one to watch, however. Ohio State went after him in the transfer portal for a reason. There’s a good possibility he earns a spot, Siereveld kicks back inside to right guard.
Main Photo: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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