Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s offensive line recruiting has undergone a significant transformation, and the results are already promising. After years of mixed success under former offensive line coach Justin Frye, the Buckeyes have adopted a new approach with the hiring of Tyler Bowen. This shift in philosophy, spearheaded by head coach Ryan Day, signals a renewed focus on building depth and securing top talent for the future.
Under Frye, Ohio State’s recruiting strategy for offensive linemen was selective, bordering on exclusive. Frye preferred to act as a “sniper,” targeting a limited number of prospects rather than casting a wide net. The intent was to make an offer from Ohio State prestigious, but the downside was apparent—too many swings and misses left the Buckeyes scrambling to fill key positions. His approach resulted in gaps in depth, forcing the team to rely on last-minute additions and transfers.
Bowen’s arrival has immediately changed the tone. Unlike his predecessor, Bowen has taken an aggressive approach to recruiting, significantly expanding the number of scholarship offers extended to offensive linemen. Ohio State has already offered scholarships to 15 offensive tackles and 12 interior linemen—numbers that far exceed those from the previous recruiting cycles under Frye. This proactive method aims to ensure that the Buckeyes secure commitments from top-tier talent while maintaining depth and competition at every position.
Beyond simply expanding the pool of recruits, Ohio State has also doubled down on development. Ryan Day’s decision to bolster the staff with experienced analysts specializing in offensive line and tight end play underscores the program’s commitment to strengthening its foundation in the trenches. The recent hires of Marcus Johnson, Charlie Dickey, and Wendy Laurent—all with backgrounds in offensive line coaching—highlight this emphasis. With Bowen focusing more on recruiting, these analysts will provide crucial support in player development, ensuring that the unit is not just talented but also well-prepared for the demands of high-level college football.
One of the most striking changes is the renewed focus on keeping Ohio’s top offensive linemen in-state. The 2025 recruiting class boasts one of the best groups of offensive line prospects the state has seen in over a decade, and Ohio State cannot afford to let elite talent slip away. Clemson has already made inroads, successfully courting some of Ohio’s premier prospects. Bowen and his staff will need to act decisively to prevent a repeat of past recruiting losses, ensuring that Ohio State maintains its dominance in the Midwest.
The urgency to revamp offensive line recruiting is not just about future planning—it’s about immediate success. The Buckeyes have an elite wide receiver corps and a talented stable of running backs, but none of that matters if the offensive line cannot provide protection and create running lanes. Bowen’s hiring and the structural changes within the coaching staff reflect an understanding that dominance in the trenches is essential for national championship aspirations.
Ohio State fans have every reason to be optimistic about the direction of the offensive line. The proactive recruiting strategy, combined with a bolstered developmental staff, positions the Buckeyes well for sustained success. If Bowen can secure commitments from top-tier talent and continue building depth, Ohio State’s offensive line could go from a perceived weakness to one of the team’s biggest strengths in the coming seasons.
