Ohio State Trophy Watch: The Rimington

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Greg Duncan | Last updated 8/2/22

The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a promising season. Since you likely know all about the quarterback, receivers and the defence, you may be surprised to learn of a critical piece that you aren’t aware of.

Each year college football recognizes the top center with the Rimington Trophy. One of the lesser known awards, for nearly 20 years it has recognized the top player in a very unsung position. After all, if he does his job he remains in obscurity. If he does not then he can make headlines. Yet centers are the anchor of the O-line, and likely the most important player on the field after the quarterback. The Rimington aims to bring light to this by recognizing the best in the game.

Ohio State Center Luke Wypler

Luke Wypler wasn’t expected to play last year as a redshirt freshman. He was to backup Junior Harry Miller who had proven to be a versatile lineman. But health issues including a season ending knee injury for Miller opened the door for Wypler. The center took the opportunity and never looked back. He started all 12 games and anchored what many feel to be the best offensive line of 2021. With fellow linemates Nicholas Petit-Frere (LT), Thayer Munford (LG), Paris Johnson Jr (RT), and Dawand Jones (RT), the line received national recognition. Together they were named as semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award for best offensive line.

A Bright Future in 2022

This season promises to be nothing short of legendary when this Ohio State team takes the field. As mentioned in previous articles, C.J. Stroud will be making a case for the Heisman, and the offense is poised to make a championship run. RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Marvin Harrison Jr and the rest are focused on finishing the job they started last season. The anchor in all of this is Wypler. After a solid performance last year, a year where he did not allow a single sack, Wypler is just as focused as the rest of the team.

One Step at a Time

September 3 against Notre Dame starts a new season. This game is going to be big. Real big. One of the most important season opening games in some time. More than anything else during this camp the focus is on Sept 3, as Wypler and company are gearing up to give their best. The game will set the tone for the season. And could set the tone for the players individually. Getting past the Irish with a victory will set the Buckeyes up to check off the rest of their boxes for the year. Beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, and take home the national championship.

And that may just be enough for Luke Wypler to bring home the Rimington.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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