The Ohio State Buckeyes’ offensive line has been a topic of much discussion this offseason, and according to offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, the unit remains a work in progress. With the season rapidly approaching, the battle for starting spots is still unfolding, and the coaching staff is evaluating every possible combination to field the best five up front. Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore center Carson Hinzman is making waves not just with his play but with his fiery attitude, ready to bring some much-needed edge to the trenches.
Bowen, who joined Ohio State this offseason after a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been tasked with solidifying a group that has shown flashes of dominance but has also been inconsistent in recent years. The Buckeyes boast plenty of talent along the offensive line, but as Bowen noted, the starting five is far from set in stone. “We’re still figuring it out,” Bowen said. “There’s competition at every spot, and that’s a good thing. These guys are pushing each other every day, and we’re seeing progress, but we’re not there yet.”
One of the biggest storylines of fall camp has been the battle at center, where Hinzman appears to have taken a significant step forward. After starting several games last season as a redshirt freshman, Hinzman has come back stronger, more technically sound, and—perhaps most notably—more vocal. Known for his relentless work ethic, Hinzman has also embraced the role of agitator, bringing a level of trash talk that has energized the entire offensive line room.
“I love it,” Hinzman said with a grin when asked about his on-field demeanor. “This game is about physicality and mentality. If I can get in a guy’s head a little bit, that’s just part of the battle. I’m not out here to make friends—I’m here to win.” His teammates have taken notice, with several offensive linemen praising Hinzman’s intensity and leadership. “Carson’s a dog,” said left guard Donovan Jackson. “He’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind, and that’s what you need in a center. He sets the tone for all of us.”
While Hinzman seems to have a firm grip on the starting center job, the rest of the offensive line remains in flux. At tackle, Josh Simmons and Josh Fryar are the leading candidates to protect quarterback Will Howard’s blindside, but neither has locked down the job completely. Simmons, a transfer from San Diego State, brings athleticism and experience, while Fryar has the advantage of being a returning starter. On the right side, Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery have been battling for reps, with Montgomery—a former five-star recruit—showing flashes of his elite potential.
The guard spots appear slightly more settled, with Donovan Jackson expected to hold down the left side and Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin competing with Enokk Vimahi on the right. McLaughlin, who started at center for the Crimson Tide, brings championship experience and could push for playing time at multiple positions. Still, Bowen emphasized that no one’s job is safe. “We’re looking for the best combination, not just the best individuals,” he said. “Chemistry matters, communication matters. We’ll keep rotating guys until we find the right mix.”
The uncertainty up front isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Competition breeds excellence, and Ohio State has the luxury of depth, something that hasn’t always been the case in recent years. The Buckeyes’ offensive line struggled at times in 2023, particularly in pass protection, and improving in that area will be critical for the team’s playoff aspirations. With a new quarterback in Howard and a loaded skill position group featuring TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and Emeka Egbuka, the offensive line doesn’t need to be perfect—but it does need to be reliable.
Hinzman’s emergence as a vocal leader could be a turning point for the unit. Ohio State’s offensive line has often been criticized for lacking the nastiness that defined some of the program’s best groups in the past. Hinzman, a Wisconsin native who grew up admiring the Badgers’ physical style of play, seems determined to change that perception. “I want guys to hate playing against us,” he said. “I want them to remember the Ohio State O-line. We’re not just here to block—we’re here to dominate.”
Bowen has encouraged that mindset, stressing the importance of playing with an edge. “Football is a tough game, and the offensive line is where it starts,” he said. “We have to set the tempo. If we’re soft, the whole offense is soft. That’s not going to happen here.”
As the season opener against Akron draws closer, the Buckeyes’ offensive line will continue to be under the microscope. The pieces are there for a dominant unit, but putting it all together will be the challenge. If Hinzman’s trash-talking, hard-nosed approach rubs off on his teammates, Ohio State could finally have the offensive line it’s been waiting for. And if Bowen can find the right combination up front, the Buckeyes’ offense—already loaded with playmakers—could be nearly unstoppable.
For now, the work continues. The starting five isn’t set, the chemistry is still developing, and the intensity is ramping up. But one thing is certain: Carson Hinzman isn’t backing down from anyone, and that attitude might be exactly what Ohio State needs.
