The Ohio State football program started spring practice on Monday. It's the first time this group has been able to practice together. The Buckeyes are looking to get the sour taste out of their mouth with how last season ended, losing back-to-back games to finish the season.
Ryan Day is excited about what his team can do in the 2026 season. He added a former NFL head coach to the staff in Arthur Smith. Smith is going to be a big part of the development of quarterback Julian Sayin. The offensive line also needs to be developed, as well.
That unit was the biggest issue for the Ohio State Buckeyes, especially at the end of the year. With four returning starters back, there is no excuse for that unit not to be better. Day was asked about the offensive line after the first spring practice of the year.
Ryan Day addresses Ohio State's offensive line
Day mentioned that the unit is deep.
"Offensive line is as deep as it's been. We're trying to get as many reps as we can. Josh Padilla can play guard or center. We've seen Carson (Hinzman) play multiple positions. We want to get Ian (Moore) some guard work and tackle work. Austin (Siereveld) will mostly be at tackle, although we've seen him play guard before. Gabe will mostly be at guard. Josh will play some center and some guard."
The first unit out there was Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Hinzman, VanSickle, and Phillip Daniels. Day mentioned that Daniels is just getting reps at tackle right now, but he could get some at guard in the future. With Padilla being limited in the spring, VanSickle will have the best chance to earn the starting right guard spot.
The offensive line struggled in the Big Ten Championship Game and the Cotton Bowl. That unit has to have a natural progression this offseason if Ohio State is going to achieve its goals. They had issues moving guys in the run game and protecting Sayin in the pass game.
Day seems happy with the unit he has right now. Getting them to play better than last year is the next step for Day.