Seth McLaughlin reflects on transfer to Ohio State, how it helped him recover from lowest point of career
In the world of college football, few stories are as compelling as the tale of a player who faces adversity head-on, perseveres through hardship, and ultimately finds redemption. Seth McLaughlin, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ offensive lineman, is one such player. His journey to Columbus, Ohio, and his eventual rise as a key contributor for one of the most successful programs in college football, is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of opportunity.
McLaughlin’s path to Ohio State wasn’t a straight line, nor was it a journey that came without its challenges. In fact, it was a path marked by struggle, self-doubt, and some of the lowest points of his football career. But it was his decision to transfer to Ohio State that would eventually give him the chance to recover from what was, at that time, the most difficult period of his athletic life. Through this experience, McLaughlin not only rediscovered his love for the game but also developed the mental and physical strength that would propel him to the highest levels of college football.
The Beginning: A Promising Start
Before McLaughlin became known as a reliable and versatile offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, he was just another highly touted recruit trying to make a name for himself in the competitive world of college football. Originally from the small town of Montgomery, Alabama, McLaughlin showed promise early in his high school career. His size, athleticism, and football IQ made him a standout on the field, and it wasn’t long before he was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the country.
His success in high school earned him attention from several top-tier college programs, and McLaughlin eventually committed to the University of Alabama. It seemed like the perfect fit: Alabama’s rich football tradition, the prestige of competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the opportunity to play under legendary head coach Nick Saban all pointed to a bright future for McLaughlin.
At Alabama, McLaughlin had the chance to compete against some of the best athletes in the country and develop his skills under some of the top coaches in the game. However, despite the high expectations surrounding him, things didn’t go as smoothly as McLaughlin had hoped. His career at Alabama would be marked by challenges that tested his resolve, his love for the game, and his ability to overcome adversity.
The Struggles: Setbacks at Alabama
As McLaughlin began his career at Alabama, it quickly became clear that the road to playing time wouldn’t be as easy as he had once imagined. Alabama’s offensive line, known for being one of the most dominant in the country, was already loaded with talent. As a young player, McLaughlin found himself buried on the depth chart behind some of the nation’s best linemen. While this was nothing out of the ordinary in a program as elite as Alabama’s, it was nonetheless a frustrating reality for a player who had expected to make an immediate impact.
For a player like McLaughlin, who had been one of the top recruits in the country, not being able to crack the starting lineup or even earn significant playing time felt like a blow to his confidence. In many ways, it was a sobering realization that college football, especially at a powerhouse like Alabama, was much more competitive and demanding than he had anticipated. His expectations had not matched the reality of the situation, and this mismatch left McLaughlin questioning his place on the team and his future in the sport.
While McLaughlin continued to work hard during his time at Alabama, competing for snaps and pushing himself to improve, his frustrations began to mount. He knew that he had the talent to play at the highest level, but he also realized that breaking through in such a competitive environment would require more than just skill—it would require a level of mental toughness that he wasn’t sure he possessed at the time.
McLaughlin’s struggles weren’t just confined to the football field; they started to affect his personal life as well. The pressure to perform, the lack of playing time, and the intense competition for spots on the depth chart all weighed heavily on him. At times, he began to wonder if he was cut out for the grind of college football, especially at such a high-profile program like Alabama.
“I was at a point where I didn’t know if I could keep going,” McLaughlin recalls. “It felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. I was constantly fighting to stay positive, but it was hard. You start to doubt yourself, and that’s a really difficult place to be when you’re playing a sport that requires such a high level of confidence.”
It was at this low point in McLaughlin’s career that he began to seriously consider his options. He knew that something had to change in order for him to continue pursuing his football dreams.
The Turning Point: The Decision to Transfer
In the midst of his struggles, McLaughlin made a decision that would alter the course of his career: he decided to transfer from Alabama. Leaving a program like Alabama, with all its history and prestige, wasn’t an easy choice, but McLaughlin felt that it was the right decision for his personal and athletic development. He needed a fresh start, a place where he could rediscover his love for the game and prove to himself that he had the ability to succeed.
Enter Ohio State.
At the time, Ohio State was one of the top programs in the country, consistently competing for national championships and producing NFL-caliber talent. The Buckeyes also had a reputation for developing offensive linemen and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the biggest stage in college football. It didn’t take long for McLaughlin to realize that Ohio State might just be the perfect place for him to take his career to the next level.
“I was looking for a place where I could grow, a place where I could get a second chance,” McLaughlin says. “When I looked at Ohio State, I saw a program that could offer me exactly that. The coaching staff was incredible, the culture was built on hard work and accountability, and the opportunity to play in big games was something that excited me.”
Ohio State’s offensive line coach, Justin Frye, was particularly instrumental in McLaughlin’s decision to transfer. Frye, who had a reputation for developing talented linemen and preparing them for success at the next level, saw something in McLaughlin that the young player hadn’t fully seen in himself. Frye’s belief in McLaughlin’s potential was a key factor in McLaughlin’s decision to commit to Ohio State.
When McLaughlin arrived in Columbus, he was welcomed with open arms by both the coaching staff and his new teammates. It was a fresh start, and for the first time in a long while, McLaughlin felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.
The Redemption: A New Beginning at Ohio State
The transition to Ohio State wasn’t without its challenges, but McLaughlin quickly adapted to the program’s culture. Under the guidance of Coach Frye and the leadership of veteran players, McLaughlin began to rediscover his love for the game and his sense of confidence. He had a renewed sense of purpose and a deep desire to prove that he was capable of playing at the highest level.
For McLaughlin, the most important aspect of his recovery was the mental shift that took place when he joined Ohio State. No longer weighed down by the doubts and frustrations that had plagued him at Alabama, McLaughlin embraced the opportunity to start anew. He knew that he was capable of great things, and Ohio State provided him with the perfect platform to showcase his talents.
“Coming to Ohio State gave me a chance to reset, both physically and mentally,” McLaughlin says. “I started to see the game in a new light. I realized that football isn’t just about the physical tools you have—it’s about believing in yourself, trusting your coaches, and knowing that you belong. Once I started to believe that, everything changed for me.”
McLaughlin’s physical transformation was equally significant. Under Ohio State’s elite strength and conditioning program, McLaughlin put on muscle, improved his flexibility, and became an even more dominant presence on the offensive line. He worked tirelessly in the film room, honing his technique and learning from the experienced players around him. His hard work soon paid off when he earned significant playing time on the offensive line, contributing to one of the nation’s most successful offenses.
As McLaughlin’s confidence grew, so did his role on the team. By the time he became a starter, he had not only reclaimed his position as a top-tier player but had also become a leader in the locker room. His journey—from self-doubt to self-assurance—had inspired his teammates, and he quickly became known for his work ethic, resilience, and leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Today, Seth McLaughlin stands as a key member of Ohio State’s offensive line, a vital cog in a unit that has consistently been among the best in college football. His story of perseverance and redemption serves as an inspiration to young athletes who may face similar struggles in their own careers. McLaughlin’s journey reminds us all that success isn’t always a straight path; sometimes, the hardest moments are the ones that lead to the greatest growth.
Reflecting on his career, McLaughlin acknowledges that his time at Ohio State was the turning point he needed to get back on track. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had here at Ohio State,” McLaughlin says. “It’s been a long road, but I’m in a place now where I can truly say I’m the player I always knew I could be. And that’s because of the people here who believed in me, who pushed me to be better, and who gave me a second chance.”
As McLaughlin looks to the future, he is focused on continuing to improve, making the most of his time at Ohio State, and eventually pursuing his dreams of playing in the NFL. But no matter where his journey takes him, he will always remember the lessons he learned along the way—the importance of perseverance, the value of self-belief, and the power of a second chance.
For Seth McLaughlin, the low points of his career were just stepping stones toward something greater. And now, as he stands on the cusp of greatness, he knows that his best is yet
