The Ohio State football program would be playing for a national championship if the offensive line had played better in the Cotton Bowl. In each of the last two games of the season, that unit faltered. Mainly, it was the right side of the line that had problems.
Tegra Tshabola was the biggest issue up front. He was a turnstile, and he was replaced several times throughout the year. He is now at Kentucky. The left side of the offensive line was pretty solid throughout the season, and the Buckeyes were hoping to get everyone back.
Luke Montgomery announced his return the day before the deadline to declare for the draft. Now, both Austin Siereveld and Carson Hinzman have decided that they will be returning in 2026, meaning they will have their starting center and left tackle back.
The Ohio State football team returns the key members of the offensive line
Keeping Hinzman, Siereveld, and Montgomery is going to be key for Julian Sayin to make a leap in his second year. The reason why Ohio State wasn't able to beat the Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl was because he didn't have enough time to find open receivers.
With four of the five best starters returning next season for the Ohio State Buckeyes, things should be better than next season. Not only should the pass blocking be better, but the run blocking should be, as well. The key is having Tyler Bowen coaching those guys up so they improve, as well.
Ohio State has to figure out a way to make sure what happened in the last two games doesn't happen again next season. Improving the offensive line is going to be the number-one key to the team competing for a national championship next season.
Getting his four best offensive linemen back for another ride has to make Julian Sayin happy.