What loss of key player means for Ohio State ahead of huge game

Filling the offensive line void left by McLaughlin  

McLaughlin’s absence adds major challenges to an already banged-up offensive line. Left tackle Josh Simmons, a key contributor who transferred from San Diego State, suffered a season-ending knee injury during Ohio State’s 32-31 loss to Oregon in October.  

In response to Simmons’ loss, the Buckeyes reshuffled their line, moving left guard Donovan Jackson to tackle and sliding Carson Hinzman into Jackson’s guard position. Now, with McLaughlin out, Hinzman — who started 12 games at center last season — may be asked to return to his old role. In this case, Austin Siereveld could step in at guard. Siereveld, a promising lineman, has played in two games this season. 

Another option is rotating lineman Luke Montgomery, who has shared time with Hinzman on the second-team offensive line, into the guard position. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Josh Padilla, who served as McLaughlin’s backup in previous games, including last week’s win over Northwestern, could see extended time at center.  

Challenges ahead for Ohio State  

The offensive line has been a patchwork operation throughout the season, with injuries forcing constant adjustments. Despite the turmoil, the unit was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the nation’s best offensive line.  

Still, McLaughlin’s absence comes at a critical point of the season for the Buckeyes as Ohio State is set to face back-to-back defining matchups: Indiana on Saturday and rival Michigan at home in the regular-season finale Nov. 30.

In these games, the Buckeyes’ replacement center will face some of the Big Ten’s most dominant interior linemen, including Mikail Kamara (Indiana) and Mason Graham (Michigan). The stakes are high against Indiana, with major conference and College Football Playoff implications on the line. Although Michigan’s 5-5 record may not seem threatening, the rivalry always guarantees a fierce battle. 

If Ohio State can adapt quickly and find a way to stabilize its offensive line, the Buckeyes could have a shot at a deep postseason run. However, without McLaughlin's steady presence anchoring the line, the road ahead will be steeper.