Eric Boggs
The 2024 season has been a turbulent one for Ohio State’s offensive line, and the road ahead just became even tougher. The Buckeyes are now without their standout center Seth McLaughlin, who tore his Achilles during practice on Tuesday. According to reports from The Columbus Dispatch, the fifth-year senior’s season—and his college football career—has come to a devastating end.
McLaughlin’s injury is a significant blow for the Scarlet and Gray as they prepare for a critical late-season stretch, including Saturday’s top-five showdown against Indiana. The Alabama transfer had been a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line, anchoring a unit that has faced adversity throughout the year. His leadership and steady hand were key factors in stabilizing an ever-changing line, which had already endured multiple injuries.
A Promising Start Cut Short
McLaughlin joined the Buckeyes this offseason after transferring from Alabama, where he had built an impressive resume. Despite some snapping issues during his final season in Tuscaloosa, McLaughlin earned the starting center role in Columbus, replacing Carson Hinzman, who had started 12 games at the position in 2023. From the outset, McLaughlin brought a calming presence, making key calls for the offensive line and meshing well with another transfer, quarterback Will Howard.
This season, McLaughlin earned midseason All-American honors and started the first 10 games. His contributions were pivotal in the Buckeyes’ improvement in the trenches, a bright spot in a year marked by inconsistency up front.
An Offensive Line in Flux
Ohio State’s offensive line struggles have been well-documented this year. The unit opened the season without starting left guard Donovan Jackson, who missed two games due to a fall camp injury. Left tackle Josh Simmons went down with a season-ending knee injury against Oregon in mid-October, and his replacement, Zen Michalski, suffered a similar fate two weeks later against Nebraska.
The reshuffled line saw Jackson move to left tackle, with Hinzman reinserted at left guard alongside McLaughlin, Tegra Tshabola at right guard, and Josh Fryar at right tackle. This lineup had started to gel, but McLaughlin’s injury now forces the Buckeyes to go back to the drawing board.
Who Steps Up Now?
The most likely scenario involves Carson Hinzman returning to center, where he has prior experience, with sophomore Austin Siereveld stepping in at left guard. Siereveld filled in capably for Jackson earlier this season. Another option is turning to Joshua Padilla, who has taken second-team reps at center recently, allowing Hinzman to stay at guard. Additionally, Luke Montgomery, who has been a backup at guard, could also see playing time.
A Defining Moment Ahead
For Ohio State fans, this news is disheartening, but it also represents a test of the team’s depth and resilience. Head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye now face the monumental task of reorganizing the line for a pivotal part of the season.
The loss of McLaughlin is not just a blow to the offensive line but to the Buckeyes’ aspirations of a national title. His journey from a three-star recruit at Buford High School to a midseason All-American is a testament to his work ethic and talent. Though his time in Scarlet and Gray was brief, his impact will be remembered.
As Ohio State looks to navigate these challenges, fans will hope the next man up can carry the torch and keep the Buckeyes’ championship dreams alive.
