Josh Fryar is headed west. The former Ohio State offensive lineman has officially found his next football home with the Arizona Cardinals, bringing with him a resume filled with Big Ten experience, relentless work ethic, and a chip on his shoulder as he looks to carve out a long-term role in the NFL trenches.
Fryar’s journey from Buckeye to Cardinal is not just a transaction on the NFL wire—it’s the continuation of a story defined by patience, perseverance, and quiet excellence. After years of development in one of college football’s most demanding programs, the versatile lineman is ready to take on the challenge of protecting NFL quarterbacks and making his mark in the league.
At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Fryar offers the kind of size and strength NFL teams covet, but it’s his adaptability that may prove to be his greatest asset in Arizona. During his time at Ohio State, he played multiple positions across the offensive line, stepping in at both guard and tackle when needed. That versatility could be vital for the Cardinals, who are retooling their offensive line around franchise quarterback Kyler Murray and looking to stabilize a group that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years.
Fryar’s path to the NFL hasn’t been without obstacles. A three-star recruit out of Indiana, he didn’t arrive at Ohio State with the same hype as many of his teammates. He redshirted his freshman season and spent the next few years gradually working his way up the depth chart. It wasn’t until 2022 that Fryar started to get real reps with the Buckeyes’ first unit, and even then, he had to rotate in and out of roles based on matchups and injuries. But rather than complain or transfer, Fryar stayed committed. He embraced the grind, listened to his coaches, and made the most of every opportunity.
That dedication paid off in 2023, when Fryar took on a larger role and became a more consistent presence on the offensive line. Coaches praised his technique, his ability to pick up complex blocking schemes, and his toughness—traits that caught the attention of NFL scouts. He may not have been a first-round projection, but his stock steadily rose during pre-draft evaluations, particularly at his Pro Day, where he demonstrated polished footwork and above-average agility for his size.
In Arizona, Fryar will likely compete for a spot at right tackle or guard, depending on how the Cardinals’ coaching staff evaluates his best fit. With the team entering a pivotal period of roster development, he has a legitimate opportunity to earn snaps early, especially if he can impress during training camp and preseason action. The Cardinals’ offensive line depth is still a work in progress, and Fryar’s blend of college pedigree and positional flexibility makes him a valuable piece to insert into that puzzle.
But this move is about more than just football. For Fryar, it’s also about proving that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. In an era where many college players chase quick transfers or instant starting roles, Fryar’s slow burn at Ohio State stands out. He didn’t take the easy route. He trusted the process, leaned on his coaches, and kept putting in the work even when he wasn’t in the spotlight.
And now, as he steps into the Arizona heat, Fryar is embracing a new challenge with the same blue-collar mindset that defined his college career. He knows nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. He knows he’ll have to earn everything. But that’s exactly how he likes it.
For the Cardinals, Fryar’s arrival is a sign of a broader effort to infuse youth, depth, and competition into their offensive line unit. Under head coach Jonathan Gannon, the franchise has emphasized physicality and discipline—qualities Fryar has in spades. He may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but he fits the mold of the kind of player Arizona wants: tough, smart, team-first, and willing to do the dirty work.
Off the field, Fryar brings leadership and humility to the locker room. At Ohio State, he was known as a quiet, focused presence who led by example. His teammates respected his approach and his commitment to team success over individual accolades. Those qualities will serve him well in the NFL, where the margin between sticking on a roster and being cut can be razor thin.
Fryar’s story also resonates with fans who appreciate the underdog spirit. He was never the loudest voice or the flashiest prospect. He didn’t dominate the headlines or rack up national awards. But he did the little things right. He stayed consistent. He blocked with purpose. He prepared like a pro before he ever became one. That kind of attitude resonates in a league where availability and reliability are just as important as talent.
For Arizona fans, Fryar is the kind of addition who may fly under the radar now but could become a foundational piece over time. Offensive linemen often don’t get the glory, but they set the tone in every game. If Fryar continues to develop and adjust to the NFL speed, there’s every reason to believe he could become a trusted starter down the road.
His move to Arizona also marks a new chapter in the Cardinals’ rebuilding effort. The team has endured a rough couple of seasons, but with a new front office and renewed focus on developing young talent, there’s cautious optimism surrounding the direction of the franchise. Bringing in players like Fryar—hungry, motivated, and ready to work—aligns with that long-term vision.
In interviews leading up to the draft, Fryar expressed gratitude for his time at Ohio State and emphasized how much he learned playing in high-stakes environments against elite competition. Those experiences helped sharpen his technique and mental approach, especially in big games against programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Georgia. He knows the NFL will be another step up in intensity and complexity, but he’s not backing down.
If anything, Fryar is embracing the pressure. He sees it as a privilege to compete at the highest level, to battle for a job, to earn his place in a league where every snap counts. He’s ready for the meetings, the film sessions, the weight room grinds, and the on-field wars. He’s ready to prove he belongs.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Cardinals’ offensive line and how it comes together. Will Fryar crack the rotation? Will he flash enough to warrant a starting role? Those questions will be answered in time, but one thing is already clear: Josh Fryar is not coming to Arizona just to fill space. He’s coming to contribute.
For a player who waited his turn, who stayed loyal to his program, who put in the work without fanfare, this opportunity with the Cardinals is the next step in a football journey defined by resilience. The NFL is a league that rewards grinders—players who embrace the process, adapt to adversity, and show up every day ready to compete. Josh Fryar fits that mold perfectly.
And now, with a fresh jersey and a new home in the desert, he’s ready to show Arizona what he’s made of. The Cardinal call has been answered. Now it’s time to go to work.