The Ohio State football program struggled with the right side of the offensive line this year. It was the weakest part of the team, and ended up being one of the biggest reasons why the Buckeyes lost to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Quite frankly, they got manhandled at the line of scrimmage.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes will bring back four of their five starters up front. The one starter they lost was their worst lineman, so it's addition by subtraction. Ryan Day understands that the right guard position has to be better next season.
Day didn't really use the Transfer Portal to pursue any high-ranking offensive linemen. Speaking for the first time since the Cotton Bowl, Day explained what he is expecting out of the offensive line next season, and it sounds like he's excited about what will happen.
Ryan Day's comments on the offensive line should excite Ohio State football fans
While speaking on 97.1 the Fan, Day mentioned what he is looking for from the right guard position next year.
"At right guard, that's where now we need Josh to really step up. We need Gabe to now take the next step, and then we need Phil Daniels to take the next step. So when you look at that, Jake Cook has shown a lot of things for us. That'll be as deep as we've been in a while in terms of being able to put guys in there."
Daniels struggled late in the season as the starting right tackle, as well. It looks like Josh Padilla is going to get the first crack at starting at right guard, but Gave VanSickle has a shot at it, too. Day seems excited with the depth they have at that spot, which is not something they had this year.
How well the offensive line plays next year will determine how deep the Buckeyes end up going next season. If Julian Sayin gets more protection, he should have another Heisman Finalist season in 2026.