There’s been no shortage of buzz surrounding the Ohio State football team early in fall camp. From top to bottom, nearly every position group has drawn praise — the kind of across-the-board hype that has fans envisioning another championship run.
One unit, however, has generated particularly high expectations: the offensive line. Multiple reports have suggested it might be the best group the Buckeyes have fielded in years. But after last Saturday’s scrimmage, some of that optimism has been met with a dose of reality.
The issue? The run game reportedly struggled from start to finish.
The Disconnect Between Hype and Performance
Losing two NFL-caliber running backs like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins hurts, but the foundation of any rushing attack is its offensive line. If this year’s group is truly as dominant as advertised, why didn’t the run game look better in the scrimmage?
Yes, there is still plenty of camp to go. Timing between linemen and new backs takes reps, especially with transfer additions Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa competing for the right tackle job. But four of the five projected starters — Austin Siereveld (LT), Luke Montgomery (LG), Carson Hinzman (C), and Tegra Tshabola (RG) — played significant snaps together during last season’s national title run. Continuity shouldn’t be a major concern.
So, are we witnessing an elite defensive line dominating early (we’ve heard about the dominance of Kayden McDonald)? Or is the offensive line’s reputation outpacing its actual performance?
The Stakes Heading Into Texas
Ohio State doesn’t have long to figure it out. The season opener against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns looms on August 30th. Whether it’s 5-star phenom Julian Sayin or the more athletic Lincoln Kienholz under center, the Buckeyes will have a quarterback making his first meaningful start.
That’s why the run game feels so critical — at least on paper. A strong ground attack can take pressure off a first-time starter.
But here’s a wrinkle: During last year’s championship run, Ohio State’s rushing success often came after the passing game softened up defenses. In the biggest games, the Buckeyes attacked through the air early and often, letting Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate stretch the field before pounding the ball between the tackles.
Ryan Day could lean on a similar formula this year — spreading the defense out, forcing fewer defenders in the box, and then letting the run game hit chunk plays later. With the talent Ohio State has on the perimeter, this might actually be their best path forward.
Why Game 1 Is a Litmus Test
Against Texas, the Buckeyes may not have the luxury of a slow-developing run game. The Longhorns have one of the best returning defenses in the country (9/11 starters are back), and if Ohio State can’t threaten them through the air, they’ll have no reason to respect the run.
That’s why the early reports of a struggling ground game raise eyebrows. If the offensive line truly is as good as billed, they need to show it from the opening snap in Week 1.
17 days remain until kickoff. There’s time to iron out the wrinkles. But the question lingers:
Is this offensive line overhyped, or will they prove the preseason buzz right when it matters most?
