Eric Boggs
Ohio State continued to methodically build its 2026 roster with the addition of veteran offensive lineman Vasean Washington, a Springfield, Ohio native who announced his commitment after visiting Columbus last week. Washington becomes the Buckeyes’ first — and likely only — transfer addition on the offensive line for the 2026 season, giving Ryan Day’s program another experienced piece in a room that already features strong returning continuity.
Washington arrives at Ohio State for his fifth and final season of eligibility after a productive career at Dartmouth, where he will graduate in March. He started the entire 2025 season at right tackle for the Big Green and did not allow a single sack across eight games, a testament to his consistency and technical development. In 2024, he showed valuable versatility by starting games at left guard and left tackle, experience that becomes especially important as he transitions from the FCS level to the weekly grind of the Big Ten.
This addition is about depth, flexibility, and reliability. The Buckeyes return four starters up front — left tackle Austin Siereveld, left guard Luke Montgomery, center Carson Hinzman, and right tackle Phillip Daniels — while Ian Moore, Joshua Padilla, and Gabe VanSickle all remain in the mix for starting roles. With that foundation in place, Washington gives the staff a seasoned option who can stabilize the two-deep at multiple positions and provide insurance over the course of a long season.
His presence also adds competition to a young but promising group that includes Deontae Armstrong, Carter Lowe, Jake Cook, and incoming freshmen Sam Greer and Maxwell Riley. Washington’s maturity, position flexibility, and clean pass-protection track record make him a valuable addition even if his role begins as a backup, which is often where championships are quietly supported.
With Washington’s commitment, Ohio State now sits at 16 scholarship offensive linemen and 90 total scholarship players for the 2026 season, effectively closing the book on transfer additions for the year. It is a smart, targeted move — one that reflects a program focused not just on star power, but on building a complete, dependable roster capable of navigating another championship run.
