The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for another season, and their offensive line is ready to make a statement. After a spring marred by injuries, the team is now back to full strength, and the players are hungry to improve on last season's disappointing finish.
The offensive line's struggles in the final games of the 2025 season were a stark reminder of the importance of this position. Allowing five sacks in each of the last two games, including a Big Ten Championship Game loss to Indiana and a College Football Playoff loss to Miami, highlighted the need for improvement. Luke Montgomery, a key member of the offensive line, is determined to ensure that history doesn't repeat itself.
"We don't want to repeat history in that matter from last year," Montgomery said. "When adversity hits, you learn a lot about yourself, and we learned a lot about where we're at and what we've got to grow and become for this upcoming season."
The offensive line's experience is a significant advantage. Returning starters include Austin Siereveld, Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels. Gabe VanSickle and Ian Moore also have valuable experience, with VanSickle starting at right guard in the Cotton Bowl and Moore playing left tackle after Siereveld's injury. The fact that these players were potential 2026 NFL draft picks further underscores their talent and dedication.
"It's super valuable," Montgomery said. "Having all the guys come back, it means a lot. Some of the guys could have left for the draft. And for all of us to come back, we know what the real goal is this year and what we've got to accomplish and stuff like that, it's going to be a lot of fun."
However, the offensive line's lineup is still uncertain. Montgomery and Hinzman are expected to start at left guard and center, but the positions of Siereveld and Moore are less clear. Siereveld's strong spring performance at left tackle could see him move to right guard, with Moore challenging Daniels at right tackle. VanSickle and Padilla are also in the running for the right guard position.
Despite the uncertainty, Montgomery is confident in the team's progress. The summer workouts are crucial for the players to build chemistry and prepare for the upcoming season. "We've got a lot to do this summer, a lot of workouts and stuff like that, but we've got to be in great shape when it comes to game time," Montgomery said.
The Buckeyes' offensive line is not the only area that has seen changes. With 51 new players joining the team, the overall composition has shifted significantly. However, Montgomery believes that the team has come together well, and the addition of experienced transfers has been beneficial. "I've gotten super close with a lot of the guys, a lot of guys that are new, and I respect the heck out of them," he said.
As a senior, Montgomery is taking on a leadership role, but he acknowledges the presence of other leaders within the team. "I feel like a great leader. And I think we got a lot of leaders, too," he said. "A big motto this year for us is you can lead no matter what. You can be a freshman, you can lead. We need leaders and we need people to rise to the occasion in the big moments and stuff like that. It doesn't matter who you are. But we have a team full of leaders and a team full of a lot of experience, so I'm super excited for this year. It's gonna be a lot of fun."
Off the field, Montgomery enjoyed a break at the Memorial Tournament, participating in a football clinic with teammates and patients from the Nationwide Children's Hospital. "I love it," he said. "It's really cool to see the pro guys and the pro-am and just the people that contributed to this. I think this would be another major in my books, I think it is. It's just really cool to see all the people that come out and support just Columbus and the area and this beautiful course."
The Buckeyes are now focused on the upcoming season, aiming to improve their performance and compete for another national championship. With a strong offensive line and a united team, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact in college football.
