As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 college football season, one of the program’s most pressing storylines centers around the offensive line—a unit currently in the midst of a major transition. no After losing multiple veteran starters to the NFL Draft and graduation, the Buckeyes are tasked with reloading in the trenches, where continuity, communication, and physical dominance are critical to offensive success.
The 2024 season saw Ohio State field a formidable offensive line anchored by seasoned leaders who brought both size and experience to the field. Now, with those key pieces gone, head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye are working to build a new foundation from a mixture of young talent, transfers, and returning contributors. It’s a tall task, especially considering the lofty expectations surrounding the program each year.
Center Carson Hinzman, one of the few returning starters from last season, is expected to play a central leadership role. After starting all 12 games in 2024, Hinzman brings consistency and intelligence to the interior of the line, serving as the anchor for a unit that’s still finding its identity. His experience will be vital, particularly as he helps guide younger players through the adjustment to starting roles in the high-pressure world of Big Ten football.
One of those young players is sophomore tackle Luke Montgomery, a highly touted recruit who saw limited action in 2024 but impressed with his athleticism and work ethic. Montgomery is expected to compete for a starting job and could become a cornerstone of the line for years to come. Alongside him, the coaching staff is evaluating a number of other potential starters at both guard and tackle positions, with several redshirt freshmen and transfers vying for reps in spring camp.
Coach Frye has been vocal about the importance of fundamentals and technique as the line takes shape. “We’re starting fresh, but we’re not starting from scratch,” Frye said following a spring practice session. “There’s talent here, and now it’s about putting in the work every day to turn that potential into production.”
The Buckeyes are also integrating a few transfer linemen into the mix, hoping their experience can bring immediate stability. However, meshing new arrivals with younger players still learning the system poses a challenge, especially with a new quarterback expected to take over this fall. Whoever wins the quarterback battle will rely heavily on protection from an offensive line still developing chemistry.
Ohio State’s success on the ground will also depend on this group. Star running back TreVeyon Henderson returns and is poised for another big season, but even the most talented back needs space to operate. Last season, the Buckeyes excelled in run-blocking, finishing among the top teams in the conference in rushing yards per game. Replicating that production in 2025 will require the new-look offensive line to find its footing quickly.
The early season schedule offers no time for a slow start. Ohio State faces a tough non-conference matchup in Week 1, putting immediate pressure on the offensive line to perform at a high level. With Big Ten play right around the corner, every snap will matter.
As with any rebuilding unit, growing pains are expected. But with elite athletes, top-tier coaching, and a culture of excellence, the Buckeyes are confident they’ll figure it out. If the offensive line can come together in time, Ohio State will once again be a serious contender in the Big Ten and in the national title conversation.
