The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2026 college football season with one of the best interior offensive lines in the country. Well, assuming last year's left tackle, Austin Siereveld, slides into his natural position at guard.
Ian Moore's ability to solidify his position on the blindside is the key to unlocking the Buckeyes' offense. As Land-Grant Holy Land's Cole VanWiechen notes, though, Moore hasn't yet earned the LT1 job. Siereveld is still a contender to return to the position he thrived in in 2025. In fact, VanWiechen believes Siereveld would start tomorrow if Ryan Day and Tyler Bowen had their druthers.
"If the season started tomorrow, Austin Siereveld would almost certainly line up at left tackle. He has earned that trust; his production has earned that trust, and his leadership has earned that trust. Ohio State simply knows what it has with him protecting Julian Sayin’s blind side," VanWiechen wrote.
"But that does not necessarily mean he finishes the season there. The real story to watch throughout preseason camp will be Ian Moore’s development. If Moore proves he is ready to become Ohio State’s next great left tackle, then moving Siereveld inside suddenly becomes one of the easiest decisions the coaching staff can make. If Moore isn’t ready, there is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving one of the best offensive linemen in the Big Ten exactly where he has already succeeded."
Ian Moore under pressure to grab the brass ring at LT
Moore had a decent spring, though clearly not the type of spring he probably wanted to have. If Moore had performed up to snuff, there wouldn't even be a question to who would be protecting Julian Sayin from the Big Ten's top edge-rushers.
Siereveld's injury kept the door open for Moore to break the glass ceiling. Siereveld's injury is still disclosed, but he needed "minor" surgery on an injury that isn't threatening his likelihood of playing this fall.
Moore didn't play his way out of the conversation, but he also didn't end it. Fall camp is a vital stretch for him to prove he's worthy of starting, so Siereveld could play his natural position.
Austin Siereveld's health is a major storyline in 2026
It's not shocking to hear that an upperclassman offensive lineman was banged up after an undefeated regular season and two additional postseason matchups against perhaps the two most physical pass rushes in the country in the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes. Against the latter, Siereveld injured his leg and left the game early.
What is shocking is not hearing any follow-up on what's wrong with Siereveld. Frankly, it's nobody's business but Siereveld, the medical staff, and the coaching staff, but it's still important to know if the best OL is back at full strength.
If Siereveld is healthy, regardless of the position he's playing, OSU will be in a good spot. The Buckeyes' OL is in a precarious position if he's not able to make it back at full strength, though.
We'll know in due time. And it'll define the 2026 season for Arthur Smith's debut campaign as the lead play-caller.
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