A Quick Fix for a Crucial Unit
During preseason training camp, Ohio State coach Ryan Day made it clear that locking down the starting offensive line was a top priority, aiming to have the group settled within a week of practice.
The plan hit a snag when starting left tackle Austin Siereveld missed several sessions due to an unspecified injury, forcing the staff to postpone finalizing the lineup.
Siereveld is expected to be back next week and is not anticipated to miss an extended stretch, but his absence has already prompted a series of adjustments.
The Buckeyes possess depth at the position, with multiple players vying for starting spots, yet the coaching staff prefers to move forward with a clear configuration rather than experiment indefinitely.
Having started seven games at left guard in 2024, Siereveld brings valuable experience that the staff hopes to leverage as he transitions to right guard, opening the left tackle slot for redshirt sophomore Ian Moore.
Early in camp the team experimented with Siereveld at right guard while Moore took the left tackle position, but after a series of reps the roles were swapped to better fit the players’ strengths.
The first three preseason practices were open to fans and reporters, providing a glimpse of the unit’s progress, while subsequent sessions have been closed, limiting external observation of further tweaks.
After the initial in‑squad scrimmage, Day expressed satisfaction with the line’s confidence, communication and overall performance, noting that the group feels ready to move forward.
Four of the five starters from last season return, including center Carson Hinzman, left guard Luke Montgomery and right tackle Phillip Daniels, providing a solid foundation for the new arrangement.