Four members of the Ohio State Buckeyes offensive line were honored on a national stage Saturday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed the standout linemen to center court during their NBA Playoff game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. In a moment that blended the electricity of postseason basketball with the pride of Ohio college football, Donovan Jackson, Josh Simmons, Carson Hinzman, and Luke Montgomery were introduced to a raucous crowd as the Cavaliers faced off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The appearance not only showcased the growing connection between professional and collegiate athletics in the state but also gave fans a chance to celebrate the Buckeyes’ upcoming season and the strength of their front line. With the Cavaliers making a push in the Eastern Conference playoffs, their decision to spotlight Ohio State’s linemen underscored the bond between two of the state’s most passionate fanbases.
Donovan Jackson, a senior and one of the leaders on the offensive line, soaked in the moment with a wide smile as the public address announcer listed his accomplishments. A multi-year starter and projected early-round NFL Draft pick, Jackson has been a cornerstone for the Buckeyes’ offensive unit. His presence brought a sense of veteran poise to the event, and fans responded with a standing ovation when his name echoed through the arena.
Next to him stood Josh Simmons, who transferred to Ohio State and quickly earned his role as a dependable starter. Simmons, known for his footwork and athleticism at tackle, flashed the signature Buckeye O-H-I-O pose along with the others as camera flashes lit up the arena. It was a moment of pride for a player whose hard work has not gone unnoticed in Columbus.
Carson Hinzman, entering his second season as the Buckeyes’ starting center, also received cheers from the crowd. The Wisconsin native has grown into a vocal leader along the line and has taken on the challenge of anchoring Ohio State’s protection schemes in one of the most pressure-filled positions on the field. His blue-collar work ethic and team-first mentality resonated with the Cleveland faithful, who appreciate grit as much as talent.
Rounding out the group was Luke Montgomery, a rising sophomore with immense potential. While he’s still early in his collegiate career, Montgomery’s upside has fans and coaches buzzing. His presence in Cleveland symbolized the future of Ohio State’s line — young, talented, and ready to carry on the Buckeye tradition of dominance in the trenches.
Their appearance came during halftime of the Cavaliers’ game, as fans were already charged up from the high-stakes playoff atmosphere. As each player was introduced, their names appeared on the video board along with highlights from their Ohio State careers. Chants of “O-H” rang out in the crowd, answered in kind with booming “I-O” responses — a fitting tribute to four athletes who represent the pride of Buckeye Nation.
For the Cavaliers, who have long made an effort to spotlight local sports heroes during games, the event was an opportunity to show solidarity with the state’s powerhouse college football program. With the playoff game drawing thousands of fans and national TV attention, the moment gave the Buckeye linemen a taste of the spotlight they may see regularly in their future football careers.
It also served as a reminder that in Ohio, the lines between pro and college sports are often beautifully blurred. Buckeye fans are often Cavaliers fans, and vice versa. When one team is thriving, the other feels the boost. The recognition of these linemen was more than just a halftime feature — it was a shared celebration of athletic excellence across levels, a unifying moment for fans of all stripes.
As the crowd settled back into their seats for the second half of basketball, the cheers still lingered from the halftime recognition. For Jackson, Simmons, Hinzman, and Montgomery, it was an unforgettable night — a reminder of how much they mean to their state, and a glimpse into the kind of adoration that could await them beyond college. They returned to Columbus not only as offensive line anchors for the 2025 season, but now as celebrated figures across the Ohio sports landscape.
The Cavaliers would go on to notch an important win in their playoff opener, but for many in attendance, the sight of four Buckeye linemen standing tall under the bright lights might have been the most memorable moment of the night.