As Ohio State’s 2024 football season progresses, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the team has been whether the offensive line (O-line) can meet the high standards that have long been a hallmark of the program. Historically, Ohio State has been known for its strong, physical offensive lines that help propel both the run game and the passing attack. However, this year, the O-line has been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and struggles to protect quarterback Kyle McCord. After a hard-luck season that has featured a rotation of players, the Buckeyes may finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Entering the season, Ohio State’s offensive line appeared to have the potential to be a dominant force. With highly touted recruits like offensive tackle Josh Simmons and center Carson Hinzman alongside returning players such as Matthew Jones and Donovan Jackson, expectations were high. However, the O-line was immediately struck by adversity. Injuries, most notably to Simmons and Jones, disrupted the unit’s continuity. The O-line was forced to shuffle players around, leading to a lack of chemistry and consistency at critical moments.
Early in the season, Ohio State’s offensive line was shaky. Inconsistent protection led to McCord facing more pressure than expected, while the running backs were often met with defenders in the backfield. The team struggled in key games, including their early-season matchup against Indiana, where the O-line’s lack of cohesion was evident, leading to a tough battle that was closer than many anticipated.
But despite the struggles, the Buckeyes remained hopeful that their offensive line would eventually find its rhythm. And in the last few weeks of the regular season, there has been noticeable improvement. The O-line has shown increased stability, and Ohio State’s offensive production has started to mirror the talent and potential that many saw before the season began.
As the season has progressed, Ohio State’s offensive line has begun to gel. The return of key players from injury, combined with some necessary adjustments in the lineup, has given the Buckeyes more consistency. Specifically, the play of left tackle Josh Simmons has seen a significant uptick. After a rough start to the season, he’s gradually settled into the role, providing McCord with better protection on the blind side.
Additionally, Carson Hinzman’s play at center has stabilized the interior of the line. Despite being a sophomore, Hinzman has shown poise and strength in both the run and pass game, allowing the offensive line to function more smoothly. His ability to make calls at the line of scrimmage and help the guards in pass protection has been critical in keeping McCord clean.
Meanwhile, Matthew Jones and Donovan Jackson have provided veteran leadership. Jackson, who played a significant role in last season’s success, has found a way to recover from some early-season struggles. His strength and versatility have allowed Ohio State to adjust in real time to defensive fronts, helping in both the run and pass game. The O-line as a whole has begun to find its rhythm in these critical moments, and the results are starting to show.
A strong, cohesive offensive line is the backbone of any successful offense, and that’s no different for Ohio State. As the line has improved, so too has McCord’s confidence. Early in the season, McCord often found himself pressured and forced to make hasty decisions. But with better protection in recent weeks, he’s been able to settle into his role, making quicker decisions and finding his rhythm in the passing game.
The improved protection has allowed McCord to unleash the passing game that Buckeye fans have been hoping for. He’s been able to stretch the field, hitting deep passes with more precision, and targeting Ohio State’s talented group of wide receivers. Having time in the pocket has also opened up lanes for the running backs, allowing the Buckeyes’ ground game to get going, which, in turn, has helped balance the offense.
Although Ohio State’s offensive line has made significant strides in recent weeks, questions still remain. The line will face its toughest challenges as the Buckeyes head into postseason play, with opponents like Michigan and potential playoff teams putting more pressure on the O-line.
Can Ohio State’s offensive line continue to improve in the face of these challenges, or will they regress when faced with elite defenses? The team will need to continue finding chemistry, staying healthy, and executing in the trenches if they hope to make a deep run in the postseason.
Still, after a difficult start to the season, the Buckeyes have reason to be optimistic. With the offensive line beginning to find its footing, Ohio State may have finally found answers to its biggest question. The progress they’ve made in recent weeks has transformed a weakness into a potential strength, and it’s clear that if they can continue this upward trajectory, they’ll have the tools to compete with the nation’s best.