Spring Recap: Buckeyes May Have Found More Than Five On The Offensive Line

With spring football now in the rearview mirror for Ohio State, it’s time to look back at what happened with each position group and where things currently stand for the Buckeyes. We continue our series with the offensive line.

Quick Position Overview

Right guard Tegra Tshabola is the lone returning full-time starter from the 2024 team, but three others who can now be considered returning starters are back as well. The interior brings back a ton of experience, but two new starting tackles must be found. Even there, however, there are possibilities who have starting history under their respective belts.

Expectations Going In

The expectation going in was that redshirt sophomore guard Austin Siereveld would begin spring at tackle. Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa would be eased in at tackle with a hope that he would eventually step up at left tackle. The middle of the line would look for depth because the starters are already known. Young players like Ian Moore and Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels were expected to compete for a spot in the top five or six as well.

Reality Coming Out

Ethian Onianwa closed spring as the Buckeyes’ No. 1 left tackle and Austin Siereveld closed as the No. 1 right tackle. The same interior combo that won a national title is still together with Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Tegra Tshabola at left guard, center, and right guard, respectively. There was no real competition at either guard spot, indicating that OSU is comfortable with Montgomery and Tshabola. Seven freshman-eligible players were able to get reps over the 15 practices as well. Ian Moore looks like the top backup at tackle, which could mean he’s the next guy in if a guard or tackle goes down.

Any Surprises?

True freshmen Jake Cook and Carter Lowe were impressive at times in camp. Cook worked his way into the two deep at guard, which wasn’t expected this early. Lowe dropped about 20 pounds from January to April and now physically looks how you want your left tackle to look. Neither player should be needed this year, but it was good to see both make an impression as early as they did.

Unanswered Question

Will any kind of rotation continue this season? The Buckeyes proved last year that a rotation on the offensive line can actually work, but does that mean it’s ideal? Head coach Ryan Day isn’t opposed and he’s going to challenge new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen with getting more than five guys ready. Last year was a lesson in preparedness and there’s no reason for this team to ignore what they’ve learned from very recent history.

So Now What?

So now Luke Montgomery will continue to showcase his ownership of the left guard spot as a junior. He started the final two games there last year and played well enough that Austin Siereveld was moved to tackle. Now Montgomery has to operate like a starter, leader, and veteran, despite the fact that he’s never started a regular-season game. The assumption is that he’ll be more than fine this year, but we have yet to see him do it over the course of an entire season.

One Concern

Ryan Day said the Buckeyes are two short on their offensive line number, which may not be a concern for this year, but it’s something that they are trying to address through the portal right now if possible. The fact that there are three freshman-eligible players in the two-deep right now is also a concern. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they have enough versatility in their top five or seven that they can move guys around in order to keep somebody off the field who isn’t ready.

Are We Sure?

Are we sure Austin Siereveld can handle life at tackle? He repped there at times last year but has never been at the position full time. He played everywhere but center this spring according to the coaches, but there is an opening right now at right tackle. Siereveld rotated in last year at left and right guard as a redshirt freshman, so his experience has only made him better as a third-year player. But right tackle is still a position that he wasn’t necessarily brought to Ohio State to play, even though he was a tackle in high school.

Quotable

“I also realized that I wanted to continue to develop and continue to grow, which is why I wanted to find a good school where I can have a good OL coach that’s going to help and mentor me, and Coach Bowen is it. I’ve always known it’s all about getting better and improving at things that were big discrepancies in my game.” — Ethan Onianwa on why he chose Ohio State.