During his fourth season in Columbus, it's imperative that Ohio State Buckeyes left tackle Austin Siereveld make the biggest improvements of his career. While he protected Julian Sayin's blindside well during OSU's undefeated regular season, the Buckeyes' protection fell apart against the Indiana Hoosiers in a 13-10 loss in the Big Ten Championship Game and during a 24-14 loss in the Cotton Bowl Classic to the Miami Hurricanes. Siereveld was one of the most egregious offenders.
Against Indiana, Siereveld received a 58.2 overall grade from PFF across 57 snaps. Against The U, Siereveld gave up five pressures in the first half alone, making up more than a quarter of the team's overall pressures for the game (19). To say that's not sustainable is the understatement of the year.
Bucknuts' Garrick Hodge stressed the need for Siereveld to step up to the plate and make a big-time leap. Hodge believes Ohio State's offense could be a "tough out" if Siereveld could play his way into day one and day two consideration for the 2027 NFL draft this fall.
"Ohio State's offensive line was a bit underwhelming in its final two games of the year, and the Buckeyes are banking on returning an experienced group up front to generate the improvement needed at that position in 2026 against a daunting schedule," Hodge wrote.
"Siereveld will be counted on to be an anchor of that unit, and will be a surefire starter, whether that's at guard or tackle (though it sure sounds more likely he'll start at tackle per Ryan Day's first spring press conference)."
"If Siereveld can emerge as a first or second-round NFL Draft pick in his senior season, Ohio State's offense will be a tough out in the 2026 season."
Austin Siereveld made a name on versatility. Now, it's all about limiting pressure at LT
Siereveld is one of those versatile linemen who can shift from the outside to the interior. That's all well and good, and it'll certainly extend his eventual NFL career, but Siereveld has to nail his assignments at left tackle for the Buckeyes' hopes of winning it all in 2026/2027, and for his long-term earning potential.
Ryan Day has made it clear where he needs Siereveld. Now, the Lakota East legend has the chance to star at one of the most important positions on the field and ensure Arthur Smith's smash-mouth offense runs as smoothly as possible during a major get-back season in Cbus.
After all, per Hodge, Siereveld is the third-most important Buckeye suiting up in Scarlet and Gray this coming campaign.