The Offensive Line Question Mark
Ryan Day sees big holes on the Ohio State offensive line after the first 2026 practice. Even with four starters returning, the coach worries about who will play left tackle and guard. The team lost two key linemen to the NFL and now faces a shake-up before the season opener against Ball State.
Day is in his eighth year as head coach. The Buckeyes finished fifth in the final rankings last year. They missed out on defending their 2024 national title. Now, the focus shifts to fixing the front five after getting pushed around in big losses to Indiana and Miami.
Day admitted the group needs to find its identity quickly. “Well, I think we all wanna see how the offensive line shakes out here, that’s for sure,” Day said during the session. This comment confirms that the starting lineup is not set in stone yet.
The rotation at left tackle is the biggest story. Austin Siereveld started there last season but moved to right guard in practice. This shift allowed Ian Moore to get reps at the critical left tackle spot. Joshua Padilla is also getting a look at guard this month. The team needs to find the best combo before September.
Four starters remain even though Will Kacmarek and Max Klare departed for the NFL. The remaining group includes center Carson Hinzman, left guard Luke Montgomery, and right tackle Phillip Daniels. They must step up to fill the gaps left by the departures.
Tight Ends and Running Backs Shine
While the line faces uncertainty, other parts of the offense look solid. The tight end room has depth, though Day wants to see who takes the most snaps. Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts return, joined by newcomers Mason Williams from Ohio University and Hunter Welcing from Northwestern.
Day noted the talent in this group. “The tight end room is an interesting room,” I think. Who will actually take the majority of those reps, though, since I think we do have some depth there? he asked. The competition is open, but the experience is there.
At running back, the team has a proven weapon. Bo Jackson, the 1,000-yard rusher from last year, is back. He had a strong offseason. “He had a tremendous offseason, one of the best in the whole building,” Day stated. The running game should be a strength if the line holds up.
The coaching staff wants to see progress from the younger players. “When he was in there last year, he showed some real good things, so we want him to take the next step, just as we do Bo,” Day said. This applies to the linemen and backs alike. They must improve to win big games.
Why the Shake-Up Matters Now
The first practice of 2026 is not the time for a perfect lineup. It is the time to test options. Moving Siereveld to guard was a clear move to evaluate Moore. If Moore fails, the team can switch back. If he succeeds, the left tackle spot is solved.
Day listed the offensive line as a concern after the tough losses late last season. The Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana and the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Miami (Fla.) exposed weaknesses. The team cannot afford those same issues in 2026.
The stakes are high. The Buckeyes open on September 5 against Ball State. More than one position on the line might have a new starter by then. The coaching staff has only a month to decide. There is no room for error.
Joshua Padilla’s look at guard is another key test. The team needs a solid interior line to run the ball and protect the quarterback. Without that, the talent at running back and tight end will struggle. The line is the foundation of the entire offense.
Fans should watch the left tackle spot closely. It is the most important position on the line. If the team cannot protect the blind side, the season could suffer. The rotation during practice gives a glimpse of the future. Moore, Siereveld, and Padilla are all in the mix.
What to Expect Moving Forward
The road ahead is clear for the Ohio State coaching staff. They must fix the line before the season starts. Day has the tools to do it. He has four returning starters and new faces to test. The tight ends and running backs are ready to help.
Day remains optimistic about the progress. “He’s learning, but he’ll be back on the field soon,” Day said regarding a player working through the process. This suggests that even with current issues, the team will be ready by game time.
The focus now is on consistency. The team needs to find the right five linemen and stick with them. The rotation stops once the season starts. The first month of practice is the only time to experiment.
Ohio State has the talent to win the national title again. But the offensive line must hold up. If they do, the team will be dangerous. If they don’t, the losses to Indiana and Miami could happen again. The first 2026 practice showed that the work is just beginning.
Fans should stay tuned for the next updates. The left tackle battle is far from over. The coaching staff will keep testing players until they find the best lineup. The season starts soon, and the answers must come fast.
