‘He’s a Tough Dude’: Ohio State Football Has Positioned Itself for Sustained Success at Center
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for their dominance in several areas of football, from the quarterback position to the defensive line. But one of the most vital, yet often underappreciated, positions in the game is the center. The center is responsible for anchoring the offensive line, ensuring smooth communication, and helping establish the run game while also being a key player in pass protection. In Ohio State’s case, the position has been a pillar of consistency and has positioned itself for continued success as the program looks to the future.
The Buckeyes have managed to develop top-tier talent at the center position over the years, and the pipeline for elite centers has continued to flow. The stability at center provides the offense with a strong foundation, offering not only a great player but a leader on the field. For Ohio State, the success at the center position is indicative of the program’s focus on developing not just skill players but also ensuring the offensive line remains one of the best in the nation.
In the 2025 season, Ohio State’s center, Luke Wypler, had established himself as one of the top centers in college football. His ability to read defenses, snap the ball accurately, and provide leadership on the line was one of the key factors in Ohio State’s success. After declaring for the NFL Draft, Wypler left a legacy that Ohio State will have to build upon. Fortunately, the program has positioned itself with the right talent to continue this tradition of excellence at the center position, with an eye on sustained success in both the short and long term.
The Importance of the Center Position
The center is perhaps one of the most undervalued positions in football, despite the immense responsibility it carries. The player at center must have a combination of skills that make him versatile and capable of handling a variety of tasks. Not only does he have to snap the ball accurately to the quarterback every play, but he must also be able to read defensive fronts, make adjustments, and provide protection for the quarterback and running backs. Centers are often asked to handle the toughest defensive linemen, and their ability to do so effectively can make or break an offense.
For Ohio State, having a reliable center has been critical to its offensive success. The offensive line at Ohio State has been a strong suit for years, helping the Buckeyes maintain their status as one of the premier college football programs. The center plays a big role in that, and Ohio State has continued to identify and develop elite talent at the position.
Recent Success at the Center Position
In recent years, Ohio State has been fortunate to have some top-tier centers who have dominated the position. Before Luke Wypler took the reins, the Buckeyes saw Billy Price take the center position in 2014, becoming a mainstay for several years. Price was a key player in Ohio State’s 2014 National Championship victory, and his leadership on the offensive line was undeniable. Price’s ability to handle tough defensive tackles and protect the quarterback played a significant role in Ohio State’s success that season.
Following Price’s departure to the NFL, Ohio State was able to quickly replace him with another elite talent in Wypler, who became a staple on the offensive line. Wypler’s success continued the trend of Ohio State developing elite centers and ensuring that the offensive line remained one of the strongest units in the country. His leadership, physicality, and ability to anchor the line provided Ohio State with a strong foundation on offense, which was evident in the team’s offensive success.
Now, as Wypler moves on to the NFL, Ohio State is left with the challenge of replacing another talented center. Fortunately, the program has the tools in place to continue the tradition of excellence at the center position, thanks to a deep recruiting pool and a clear focus on maintaining strength in the trenches.
The Next Wave: Emerging Talent at Center
While Wypler may have left big shoes to fill, Ohio State is well-positioned to maintain its success at center, with a talented player waiting to take over the position. The program has made it a priority to develop top-tier offensive linemen, and it is no different when it comes to the center spot.
One player who has been receiving considerable attention is Carson Hinzman, a highly touted recruit who has the potential to step into the starting center role. Hinzman, who was a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, has impressed coaches with his athleticism, strength, and football IQ. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 305 pounds, he possesses the physical tools necessary to thrive at the center position.
Carson Hinzman: The Next Great Center
Hinzman’s rise in the recruiting world began as a standout high school player in Wisconsin. Known for his versatility and ability to play across the offensive line, Hinzman quickly became one of the top recruits in the country. His transition to the college level has been smooth, as he has demonstrated the skills and leadership qualities necessary to step in at the center position.
One of Hinzman’s most notable traits is his ability to excel in both pass protection and run blocking, which are essential for a center. He has an exceptional understanding of defensive alignments and quickly makes adjustments at the line of scrimmage. His technique is already advanced for a player of his age, and his work ethic has made him a standout in spring practices.
Hinzman’s ability to develop into a reliable and skilled center could ensure that Ohio State’s offensive line continues to be a force to be reckoned with. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence makes him an ideal candidate to follow in the footsteps of Price and Wypler.
Why Ohio State Is So Successful at Center
There are a few key factors that explain why Ohio State has continued to develop successful centers year after year. One of the most significant reasons is the program’s commitment to developing offensive linemen as a whole. The Ohio State offensive line program has long been one of the most respected in the country, thanks in large part to the coaching staff led by Greg Studrawa and Ryan Day.
Studrawa, the offensive line coach, has built a reputation for developing elite talent. Under his guidance, Ohio State has produced several top-tier offensive linemen who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. The emphasis on technique, physicality, and football IQ has helped Ohio State maintain its status as an elite program year after year.
Another key reason for Ohio State’s success at center is the program’s overall focus on recruiting. The Buckeyes have consistently been able to attract some of the top offensive line prospects in the country. The combination of a strong coaching staff, the opportunity to play for a national contender, and the program’s history of developing NFL talent makes Ohio State an attractive destination for elite high school players.
Finally, the overall depth of the program has been crucial in sustaining success at the center position. Ohio State has a deep roster that allows players to develop properly and challenge one another for starting spots. This internal competition helps push players to improve, and it ensures that the program’s success doesn’t rely on just one player at any position.
The Future of Ohio State’s Offensive Line
Looking ahead, Ohio State is primed to continue its dominance in the trenches. With players like Carson Hinzman and other top recruits coming through the pipeline, the Buckeyes will remain a powerhouse on the offensive line. The center position, in particular, is in great hands as the program continues to develop players who can step into the role and maintain the high standards set by previous Ohio State greats.
Additionally, with the team’s ongoing commitment to excellence in both recruiting and player development, Ohio State’s offensive line will continue to be one of the strongest in the country. The emphasis on creating a balanced offensive attack, capable of both establishing the run and protecting the quarterback, will ensure that Ohio State remains a contender year in and year out.