Ohio State’s offensive line, returning four of five starters, is aiming to elevate its performance in 2026 after a disappointing finish to the 2025 season. The unit, which saw Julian Sayin sacked five times each by Miami and Indiana in the two losses that ended the Buckeyes’ season, is hoping to show improvement during spring practice.

Returning Veterans and Rotational Pieces

The Buckeyes are bringing back four of their five starting offensive linemen from 2025, along with key rotational players. Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels are all set to return for the 2026 season. The group also includes Joshua Padilla, Gabe VanSickle, Ian Moore, Deontae Armstrong, Carter Lowe, and Jake Cook, who will contribute in various roles.

Austin Siereveld, who played left tackle for the first time in his career in 2025, was the standout performer of the offensive line. He did not allow a sack in 425 pass-block reps and received an overall grade of 83 from Pro Football Focus, nearly 10 points higher than the next-highest-graded offensive lineman, Luke Montgomery (73.7).

Montgomery, who will enter his senior season, admitted his play in the losses to Indiana and Miami was below standard. He allowed a combined three sacks in those games. Hinzman, in his fifth and final season, had a PFF grade of 73.7, the highest of his career, allowing 16 total pressures and one sack in 443 pass-blocking snaps.

Phillip Daniels and Positional Adjustments

Phillip Daniels, the right tackle, allowed 19 pressures and two sacks in 403 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, grading out at 65.9 overall. The Buckeyes may consider moving him to guard, which could better fit his skill set. Rotational guards Joshua Padilla and Gabe VanSickle are also back, though neither inspired confidence in 2025.

Ian Moore, who received his first career start in place of an injured Daniels against Purdue, is one of the rising stars on the offensive line. He also played for an injured Siereveld in the second half against Miami. Carter Lowe, a top-100 prospect from the 2025 recruiting class, is expected to make an impact as a second-year offensive lineman.

Recruiting and New Additions

The offensive line will also see the arrival of freshmen Sam Greer, Maxwell Riley, Landry Brede, and Mason Wilhelm, with Greer being the highest-touted recruit. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound tackle is ranked No. 52 overall and No. 6 at his position on the 247Sports composite. Riley, a four-star recruit, is also expected to contribute.

Dartmouth transfer Vasean Washington and three-star interior offensive lineman Tucker Smith will enroll this summer but will not participate in spring practice. The only starter lost from the 2025 offensive line was Tegra Tshabola, who transferred to Kentucky after two inconsistent seasons.

Head coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of experience on the offensive line, noting that having players like Hinzman, Montgomery, and Siereveld, who have been in the program for multiple years, is crucial for the unit’s development. He stated, ‘It’s really important to have this type of maturity in the offensive line.’

The offensive line’s performance in 2026 will be critical for Ohio State’s championship aspirations. With the return of key veterans and the addition of new talent, the unit aims to improve its run game, which averaged less than 4 yards per carry in four games last season. The spring practice will be a crucial time for development and preparation for the upcoming season.