2024 Freshman Class Report: Offensive Guard Devontae Armstrong

This is the 14th 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 guard Devontae Armstrong.

Devontae Armstrong was a First-Team All-Ohio selection on the offensive line as a senior at Lakewood St. Edward High School. He was a Third-Team pick as a junior. St. Edward has won three-straight state championships, thanks in large part to an offensive line that featured Armstrong and his twin brother Deontae.

Armstrong was ranked a three-star prospect as the No. 29 interior line prospect in the nation and the No. 444 player in the class overall. He was ranked the No. 18 player in Ohio. He signed with Ohio State over offers from Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, Florida, Wisconsin, and others.

2024 Season

Thanks in part to a deep and veteran offensive line, Devontae Armstrong did not see action in any games last year for the Buckeyes. He spent his time mostly running with the threes and working on scout team. Armstrong lined up at guard for Ohio State, but couldn’t unseat the more experienced players in front of him. Five different players saw considerable time at guard last year as the Buckeyes dealt with injuries and also employed a three-man rotation.

So Now What For Devontae Armstrong?

The three-man rotation of Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, and Tegra Tshabola returns, but the other two guards from last year are now gone (Donovan Jackson) or at center (Carson Hinzman). Even though Devontae Armstrong did not play and redshirted last year, he is still right on time for a typical Ohio State offensive lineman. There is a serious level of development that is needed for each player.

New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen is going to have a fresh look at all of the Buckeye offensive linemen this spring. Ohio State’s offense showed last year that it can be successful with a rotation on the offensive line. That doesn’t mean Armstrong will be part of a rotation this year, but it means if he is ready, then something good could happen for him.

The expectation, however, is that depth and experience are once again going to be too great for considerable playing time. But as the Buckeyes saw last year when they had to start nine different offensive linemen, they will always try to be prepared for the unforeseen. Armstrong is still very young, but he’s got the physicality and fight that could mature him quickly.