Ranking Ohio State's Offensive Linemen in the 21st Century

Ohio State had more than its share of guys in the trenches who would protect the quarterback and open running lanes at an elite level.
January 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) celebrates after the Buckeyes scored a touchdown during the 2015 CFP National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
January 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) celebrates after the Buckeyes scored a touchdown during the 2015 CFP National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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8. LeCharles Bentley

Bentley was a John Cooper recruit who played his final and best season for Jim Tressel in 2001. He was the first of the seven centers on this to be a star this century, and the first to win the Rimington Trophy. Bentley was a key part of the Buckeye Revolution in 2001, which culminated in their first road win in The Game since 1987. Guys like LeCharles Bentley laid the foundation for the Tressel Era.

9. Seth McLaughlin

McLaughlin is the fourth Buckeye center to win the Rimington Award for the best center in college football since 2001, and he did it in only 10 games last year before an injury sidelined him. McLaughlin was blamed for Bama’s troubles in 2023 and transferred to Ohio State, where his love of being a Buckeye will always be cherished. He stayed with his team and helped from the sidelines as they won the 2024 National Championship.

10. Carson Hinzman

By the end of 2025, Hinzman will very likely be the fifth Rimmington Award winner on this list of ten offensive linemen. Hinzman started the entire regular season at center for Ohio State in 2023 before, for reasons known only to the Buckeye coaches, he was benched for the Cotton Bowl that year.

Hinzman started 2024 on the bench but came off it when Josh Simmons went down. Hinzman played at guard until McLaughlin got hurt, and he went right back to center and played better than ever during the Buckeyes' national championship run.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Hall, Paris Johnson, Justin Boren, Jack Mewhort, Jamarco Jones.