2024 Freshman Class Report: Offensive Tackle Deontae Armstrong

This is the sixth installment in a series where Buckeye Huddle looks back on each member of Ohio State’s 2024 signing class and the impact they had in their first season, as well as the impact they could have during the upcoming 2025 season. Up next is offensive tackle Deontae Armstrong.

Deontae Armstrong came to Ohio State from Lakewood St. Edward where he was a First-Team All-District and First-Team All-State selection. He played left tackle next to his twin brother and left guard Devontae Armstrong, who is also an offensive lineman at Ohio State. He helped lead his team to three state titles in a row.

Armstrong was a four-star prospect per the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the No. 33 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 386 player in the class overall. Among prospects from the state of Ohio, he was ranked the No. 14 player. Armstrong signed with the Buckeyes over offers from Michigan, Georgia, Penn State, Florida, Wisconsin, and others.

2024 Season

Deontae Armstrong did not see any action in 2024, which isn’t all that unusual for a true freshman offensive lineman at Ohio State. Development takes longer on the offensive line than any other position. This is especially true for players like Armstrong who played in a run-heavy offense in high school and now have to catch up with the pass-blocking aspect of the position in college.

Due to injuries to tackles Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski, Armstrong eventually moved into the three-deep on offense, but it did not lead to any playing time.

So Now What For Deontae Armstrong?

Up first for Deontae Armstrong is to win a job on special teams. That will be the initial step towards playing time on offense. The Buckeyes lost some tackles from last year’s team but have also added two via the portal and signed a pair of high schoolers as well.

This spring will be Armstrong’s second with Ohio State, but it will be his first real opportunity to compete for a job. That job may be as a backup on the offensive line, but that’s about where a redshirt freshman offensive lineman should be. Redshirt freshman Ian Moore is the only returning tackle who saw playing time last year. There are no veterans stopping Armstrong from reaching the two-deep in camp.

Armstrong has always had the frame and athleticism, but now he is building up the understanding and skill set that Ohio State requires. It will be interesting to see how new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen views Armstrong and how much he can add to the young tackle’s game over these next six months until the season starts.

WR Damarion Witten | OT Ian Moore | LB Garrett Stover | DE Dominic Kirks | SAF Jaylen McClain

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