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‘He had a tremendous offseason’ - Ryan Day gets real about about a starter no one is talking about for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:41 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes getting back on the practice field Thursday means the season is right around the corner. And once again, the quarterback competition will be the main storyline.

Sophomore Julian Sayin is the favorite to win the job over Lincoln Kienholz, but it won’t come easily.

Ohio State is replacing 14 players who were drafted into the NFL in April. Head coach Ryan Day isn’t hiding the fact that one Buckeye in particular is already stepping up to grab a starting spot.

Ryan Day continues to praise Austin Siereveld heading into the 2025 season

Ohio State is set to have four new starters on the offensive line compared to last year’s healthy lineup, and Siereveld appears locked into one of those openings. Whether it’s at right guard or right tackle, the junior looks destined to line up on the right side.

“Austin [Siereveld] was an Iron Buckeye and he had a tremendous offseason, but he’s taken all the strides you need to solidify yourself as a starter,” Day said on Thursday.

Ryan Day says OL Austin Siereveld
earned Iron #Buckeye status.
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) July 31, 2025

Siereveld was one of just three Buckeyes named an Iron Buckeye following offseason workouts. He started six games last season, stepping in due to injuries — including two starts in the College Football Playoff. His versatility is a major asset for the offensive line; he can play at least four different spots and has proven that already to coaches.

Day doesn’t hype up players by accident — when he speaks, it’s intentional. And right now, there may not be a bigger stock riser for the Buckeyes than Siereveld.

Ethan Onianwa looks like he could be the answer at left tackle, and the right tackle battle will come down to whether Phillip Daniels is there or it is Siereveld. Tegra Tshabola could start at right guard if it isn’t Siereveld there. Luke Montgomery is primed to be the guy at left guard.

One thing is clear: Siereveld is going to be starting for the Buckeyes — and Ryan Day keeps making that very clear.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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