The greatest test remains, but Ohio State football’s offensive line has stood up despite injuries.

In college football, the battle in the trenches often determines the outcome of games. While skill players like quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs often capture the spotlight, the true backbone of a championship team lies in its offensive line. Few teams understand this better than Ohio State, whose offensive line has been a key factor in their success over the years. But in the 2024 season, the Buckeyes’ offensive line has faced a unique challenge: injuries to multiple key players. Despite this adversity, Ohio State’s offensive line has continued to perform at a high level, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. As they march toward the College Football Playoff (CFP), the question remains: can the offensive line hold up under the greatest test yet?

A History of Dominance: Ohio State’s Offensive Line Tradition

Ohio State has long been recognized for its dominance in the trenches. Under legendary head coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes became synonymous with power football, where a strong, physical offensive line paved the way for great running backs and a punishing ground game. That tradition has only continued to evolve, with Ohio State’s offensive lines remaining a point of pride for the program and a cornerstone of its offensive philosophy.

Throughout the years, Ohio State’s offensive line has produced numerous NFL-caliber players, with several earning All-American honors. Under current head coach Ryan Day, the offensive line has been retooled to adapt to the high-speed, pass-happy offense that has become the hallmark of the modern era. However, despite the shift to a more spread-oriented offense, the commitment to excellence in the trenches has remained steadfast. The offensive line has been tasked not only with protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for the running backs but also with setting the tone for the entire offense.

As the 2024 season progressed, Ohio State’s offensive line once again found itself in the spotlight, but this time, the Buckeyes had to navigate a series of injuries that tested the depth and resilience of their line.

The 2024 Offensive Line: A Challenging Start

The 2024 season began with high hopes for Ohio State’s offensive line. The unit was expected to be one of the best in the nation, with experienced veterans and high-level recruits leading the charge. However, early in the season, the Buckeyes were hit by a series of injuries that put a strain on the offensive line. Key players, including projected starters, went down with various ailments, forcing younger players and backups into the starting lineup.

Injuries to offensive linemen are always a concern for any program, but Ohio State’s offensive line depth has been a major asset. The Buckeyes have invested heavily in recruiting top-tier talent along the offensive line, and their depth allowed them to weather the storm early in the season. Even with multiple players out, the offensive line continued to perform at a high level, opening up running lanes and providing quarterback protection, which allowed the offense to remain productive.

But while the injuries were manageable early on, the true test of Ohio State’s offensive line was still to come. As the season progressed, the Buckeyes faced stiffer competition, and the physical demands of the season took their toll. The offensive line would be challenged in ways that few had anticipated, and it would take a combination of coaching, experience, and sheer determination to keep the line functioning at a high level.

The Role of Coaching: Developing Resilience

A key reason why Ohio State’s offensive line has managed to overcome these injury challenges is the work of offensive line coach Justin Frye. Hired by Ryan Day to help develop one of the top offensive lines in the country, Frye’s coaching has been crucial in ensuring that the Buckeyes have been able to adjust despite missing key players. Frye, who previously served as the offensive line coach at UCLA and Boston College, brought with him a wealth of experience and a strong philosophy on offensive line play.

Frye’s coaching emphasizes adaptability, technique, and mental toughness, all qualities that have been crucial in helping the offensive line overcome adversity. When injuries hit, Frye worked tirelessly with the backup players, ensuring that they were ready to step up when their names were called. This emphasis on depth and development has paid off, as players who were once backups have proven capable of stepping into starting roles without a noticeable drop-off in performance.

In addition to his technical expertise, Frye’s ability to instill mental toughness in his players cannot be overlooked. Ohio State’s offensive linemen have demonstrated a resilience that has been key to their success despite injuries. Whether it’s battling through physical pain or stepping into a new position, the Buckeyes’ offensive line has embodied the mindset of “next man up,” something that has been instilled by Frye’s leadership.

“We don’t make excuses,” said Frye in a postgame interview after a particularly difficult stretch of games. “Injuries are part of the game, but the goal is always to be ready when your number is called. It’s not just about the first five guys—it’s about everyone being prepared to contribute to the success of the team.”

Key Injuries and the “Next Man Up” Mentality

The injury report for Ohio State’s offensive line during the 2024 season read like a list of important players, each one with the potential to significantly alter the course of the season. Some injuries were short-term, while others required players to miss multiple games. Among the most significant injuries were those to starting tackles, guards, and centers, all of whom were forced to sit out crucial games.

One notable injury was to senior guard Ethan McKinnon, who had been a mainstay on the offensive line and was considered one of the team’s best players in the trenches. McKinnon’s absence left a gaping hole in the line, and many wondered how Ohio State would cope without one of its key players. But as has been the case all season, the Buckeyes were able to turn to their depth.

Redshirt freshman James Sullivan, who had been playing as a backup guard, was called into action to fill McKinnon’s spot. Sullivan, a highly touted recruit out of high school, had big shoes to fill, but he did not falter. Instead, he embraced the opportunity and played with a level of poise and skill that belied his inexperience. Sullivan’s ability to step in and play at a high level spoke volumes about Ohio State’s depth and Frye’s ability to develop players who were ready when called upon.

Similarly, injuries to the tackles forced the Buckeyes to shuffle players around, with a few freshmen making important contributions. Ohio State’s depth at tackle allowed them to move players into different positions without sacrificing the team’s overall effectiveness. In many ways, these younger players gained invaluable experience that will benefit the program in the future, even if their contributions came under difficult circumstances.

As the season moved toward the biggest games on the schedule, including a potential College Football Playoff berth, Ohio State’s offensive line had proven to be more than capable of handling the challenges thrown its way. Despite injuries to multiple key players, the line had continued to perform at a high level, providing quarterback protection and opening up running lanes for the offense.

The Greatest Test Yet: The College Football Playoff

As Ohio State prepares for the College Football Playoff, the offensive line’s resilience will face its toughest test yet. The Buckeyes are set to face off against some of the best defenses in the country, and every aspect of their game, including their offensive line play, will be scrutinized more than ever.

In the CFP, the competition is always fierce, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson bringing powerful defenses that will challenge Ohio State’s offensive line like never before. The Buckeyes will need to protect their quarterback, establish the run game, and maintain their physicality in the trenches in order to succeed.

For Ohio State, the key will be the continued development of their offensive line, particularly in terms of communication and coordination. In big games, where every possession counts, the ability of the offensive line to operate as a cohesive unit will be crucial. If the Buckeyes can continue to adapt and perform despite their injury woes, they will have a solid chance to compete for a national title.

“We’ve faced adversity this season, no doubt,” said Frye, reflecting on the team’s progress. “But our offensive line has proven it’s made of the right stuff. The guys who have stepped in have done a great job, and we’ll need to continue that mentality as we move into the biggest games of the season.”