Chris Wilds
The Ohio State Buckeyes face a significant setback in their pursuit of a national championship after center Seth McLaughlin suffered a torn Achilles during practice on Tuesday. The midseason All-American is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving Ohio State’s offensive line with another major gap just as they enter a pivotal stretch.
McLaughlin, a standout transfer from Alabama, played a critical role in stabilizing Ohio State’s offensive front this year. His leadership anchored an improved line, bolstering the Buckeyes’ rushing attack and providing solid protection for quarterback Will Howard. This injury compounds the loss of left tackle Josh Simmons, who suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the year.
To adapt, Ohio State is exploring options to reorganize the line. Carson Hinzman, last season’s starting center, will shift back from guard to fill McLaughlin’s role at center. Austin Siereveld, who started several games earlier this season, has been penciled in as the starter at left guard once again. Alternatively, backup Joshua Padilla could step in at center pushing Hinzman back to guard is things don’t go well for Siereveld early on, or heaven forbid, he suffers another injury.
These adjustments come at a critical moment for the Buckeyes, with crucial matchups against Indiana and Michigan looming. As playoff aspirations hang in the balance, Ohio State’s depth and adaptability will be put to the test. Coach Ryan Day and his staff are tasked with ensuring the team remains resilient in the face of mounting challenges.
With their postseason hopes intact but under greater pressure, the Buckeyes must rally to overcome adversity. The coming weeks will reveal how well they can compensate for McLaughlin’s absence and maintain their trajectory toward a potential playoff berth.
