A Second Shot at History
Ohio State football has a clear target for the upcoming season. The team wants to close the 2025 campaign with a national title, and the offensive line is the key. At the center of this group stands Luke Montgomery. The Findlay native started 14 games at left guard last year. He helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in the 2024 College Football Playoff. That success came after he played 180 snaps in the run to the trophy. Now he returns for one final season to prove the group is the best in the country. Land-Grant Holy Land reports that the unit is back because the end of last season left a bad taste in their mouths. They do not want to lose again.
The group could have easily walked away. Many players on the line had the chance to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, they chose to stay together. Montgomery and his teammates love each other and the school. They want to win the Joe Moore Award as the best offensive line in the nation. This decision shows a deep bond that money cannot buy. It also shows they know they can do better.
Fixing the Sack Problem
Montgomery has a specific goal for his final year. He needs to fix the issues that showed up late last season. During the regular season, the line was nearly impossible to beat. According to reports, Montgomery did not allow a single sack through 12 games. That is a huge stat for any lineman. But then the team lost to Indiana and Miami. Those two losses cost them a chance at back-to-back titles. The line gave up 10 sacks in those games. Three of those sacks were credited directly to Montgomery.
This drop in performance is the main thing he wants to correct. It is not about blaming injuries. Montgomery and Austin Siereveld played a lot in 2024 because of injuries, yet the offense still worked. The problem was execution, not health. The Buckeyes need to be impenetrable again if they want to win big. Montgomery knows he must be better. He has the size and skill to lead the way. He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs over 300 pounds. He also added muscle this offseason by turning body fat into power.
A Versatile Talent for the NFL
Montgomery is not just a left guard. He can play any spot on the offensive line. This versatility makes him a top target for NFL teams in 2027. His background helps too. He played basketball in high school and could hold his own on the court. That athletic background gives him a unique edge. He moves well for a big man. Land-Grant Holy Land notes that his athleticism and versatility will make him a sought-after player. He came to Ohio State as a four-star recruit in 2023. He started seven games as a true freshman. His big break came after the Michigan loss in 2024 when the team shook up the line.
Since that Cotton Bowl win over Texas, he has started every single game. That streak proves his value to the program. He also earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors last season. Now he sits on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. That award goes to the best interior lineman in college football. If he wins it, his draft stock will soar. He wants to show the world he is ready for the next level. The NFL scouts are watching closely. They see a player who has learned from his mistakes.
The Road Ahead for the Buckeyes
The season opener against Texas sets the tone. Montgomery and the line must be ready on day one. If they play well, the whole offense will thrive. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith need time to work. A strong running game will help them. The team needs to protect the quarterback and open holes for the runners. If they do this, Ohio State will be hard to stop. Montgomery has the chance to end his career on a high note. He wants to leave the program as a champion again.
The fans in Columbus are counting on him. The line is the heart of the team. If it beats, the team wins. If it stops, the season ends. Montgomery knows the stakes. He has the talent to be the best. He has the heart to lead his brothers. The only thing left is to show it on the field. The 2026 season will define his legacy. He is ready to get to work. The rest of the country should be scared.
