Justin Frye, the offensive line coach, may leave Ohio State football.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a premier college football program, consistently competing for national championships, Big Ten titles, and producing elite talent. While the spotlight often shines on star quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, the importance of the offensive line cannot be overstated. A strong offensive line is the backbone of any successful team, providing the protection needed for quarterbacks and creating the space for running backs to thrive. Over the past few seasons, Ohio State’s offensive line has been one of the most respected in college football, and much of that success can be attributed to their offensive line coach, Justin Frye.
However, rumors have recently surfaced that Justin Frye may be considering leaving Ohio State for other opportunities, potentially shaking up the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and creating significant ripple effects within the program. Frye, who has been a key member of head coach Ryan Day’s staff, has played a crucial role in developing some of the nation’s best offensive line prospects and helping Ohio State’s offense become one of the most formidable in college football.
This article will take a deep dive into Frye’s tenure at Ohio State, the possible ramifications of his departure, and what the future of the Buckeyes’ offensive line might look like. Additionally, we will explore the potential candidates to replace Frye and what his exit could mean for the overall development of Ohio State’s football program.
Justin Frye’s Journey to Ohio State
Before we explore the possibility of Justin Frye leaving Ohio State, it’s important to understand his journey and the impact he has had on the program. Frye joined Ohio State in 2019, after a successful stint as the offensive line coach at UCLA. Prior to his time with the Bruins, Frye coached at multiple schools, including Kentucky, where he helped to develop a strong offensive line that was instrumental in the Wildcats’ success in the SEC.
At Ohio State, Frye took over an offensive line unit that was already filled with talent, but his expertise and coaching style helped elevate the group to new heights. Under Frye’s leadership, the Buckeyes’ offensive line became known for its physicality, discipline, and ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. Frye’s emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and teamwork helped Ohio State produce standout offensive linemen who went on to play in the NFL, including names like Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones, and Luke Wypler.
In addition to developing individual players, Frye was instrumental in creating a cohesive offensive line unit that could execute Ryan Day’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense while also being able to ground and pound when necessary. Ohio State’s offensive line played a major role in the team’s success over the past several seasons, helping the Buckeyes finish near the top of national rankings in rushing yards and allowing quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud to thrive in a pocket that was well-protected.
The Rumors of Frye’s Departure
The speculation regarding Frye’s potential departure began circulating after several reports indicated that he was being courted by other programs, both within college football and possibly the NFL. Coaches with a proven track record like Frye are always in high demand, and many schools, especially those in need of an offensive line overhaul, would be eager to bring him in as their head offensive line coach.
While no official statements have been made by Frye or Ohio State, the rumors are concerning for Buckeyes fans who understand just how crucial Frye has been to the program’s success. Losing Frye would not only be a blow to the development of Ohio State’s offensive line but could also impact the overall recruiting efforts for future linemen, as Frye’s reputation as one of the top offensive line coaches in the country was a significant draw for high school players considering Ohio State.
The Impact of Justin Frye’s Potential Departure
If Justin Frye does leave Ohio State, the ramifications would be felt throughout the program, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Let’s break down the potential impacts that Frye’s departure could have on the Buckeyes.
1. A Shift in Offensive Line Play
The most immediate and obvious impact of Frye’s departure would be on the offensive line itself. Under Frye’s guidance, Ohio State’s offensive line has been one of the most consistently dominant units in college football. His coaching has developed top-tier players who have gone on to make an impact in the NFL. With Frye at the helm, the Buckeyes’ offensive line has excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, providing a stable foundation for the rest of the offense.
Without Frye, Ohio State could face challenges in maintaining the same level of success on the offensive line. It would be difficult to replace a coach with Frye’s expertise and knowledge, and it might take some time for the next coach to implement their system and gain the trust of the players. The loss of continuity could potentially result in a step back for a unit that has been a key part of Ohio State’s success.
2. Recruiting Challenges
One of Frye’s strengths as a coach was his ability to recruit elite offensive line talent. His track record in producing NFL-caliber linemen made Ohio State an attractive destination for high school recruits. Losing Frye could make Ohio State’s recruiting efforts more challenging, as he was a key figure in the program’s pitch to offensive line prospects.
Ohio State’s offensive line class for the upcoming seasons is already impressive, with several highly ranked recruits in the pipeline. However, if Frye leaves, there is a risk that these recruits may reconsider their commitments or explore other schools that could offer the same level of development and coaching. The program would need to move quickly to secure a new offensive line coach who can continue the recruiting momentum and convince these players that Ohio State remains the best place to develop their skills.
3. Impact on Quarterback and Offensive Scheme
While the offensive line may be the most affected unit, the loss of Frye could have indirect consequences for Ohio State’s entire offense. A strong offensive line is critical for any quarterback’s success, and without Frye, there may be a slight dip in the protection provided to quarterbacks like Kyle McCord (or whoever starts under center in 2025). In turn, this could impact the team’s ability to run its up-tempo offense as efficiently as it has in the past.
Moreover, the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme relies on both a solid passing attack and an effective rushing game, and a weakened offensive line would have a negative impact on both. The team’s ability to execute Ryan Day’s offensive philosophy could be compromised if the line struggles to block consistently. This would create additional pressure on the rest of the offense to perform at a high level, which may not be sustainable in the long term.
Replacing Justin Frye: Potential Candidates
If Justin Frye does leave Ohio State, the Buckeyes will need to find a replacement who can maintain the program’s high standards on the offensive line. Here are a few potential candidates who could step into the role:
1. Greg Studrawa (Former Ohio State Offensive Line Coach)
One of the most natural candidates for the job would be Greg Studrawa, who served as Ohio State’s offensive line coach from 2016 to 2020. During his time in Columbus, Studrawa helped develop several NFL-caliber offensive linemen, including first-round draft picks like J.T. Barrett and Billy Price. While Studrawa’s tenure at Ohio State ended in 2020, his familiarity with the program and history of success could make him a strong contender for the position. He has since continued to coach at LSU, where he could potentially return to Ohio State if Frye departs.
2. Kenny Carter (NFL Offensive Line Coach)
Another potential candidate could be Kenny Carter, who currently works as an offensive line coach in the NFL. Carter has experience coaching elite offensive linemen at the professional level, and his expertise in working with high-caliber athletes could be valuable for Ohio State. His ability to develop players and implement pro-style techniques could be a strong fit for the Buckeyes’ offense.
3. Matt Campbell (Iowa State Head Coach)
Although it may be a stretch, Iowa State’s head coach, Matt Campbell, could be a potential candidate if Ohio State wanted to make a splash hire. Campbell is known for developing strong, physical teams, and his ability to build competitive offensive lines is one of his strengths. While Campbell is currently a head coach, he has deep ties to Ohio State and could be enticed to return to his alma mater in a more specialized role.
The Future of Ohio State’s Offensive Line
Justin Frye’s potential departure from Ohio State is a situation that bears watching closely, as it could have far-reaching implications for the program. Frye has been instrumental in developing a strong, talented offensive line that has played a major role in Ohio State’s success over the past several seasons. Losing him would create challenges, both on the field and in recruiting, but the program’s commitment to excellence and deep coaching staff could mitigate the impact.
Ohio State’s ability to replace Frye with a coach who shares his philosophies and development techniques will be crucial for maintaining the team’s success on the offensive line. With elite recruits in the pipeline and the overall strength of the program, Ohio State’s offensive line will likely remain a formidable unit. However, it will be essential for the Buckeyes to move quickly to secure the right coach to continue the legacy of dominance on the line of scrimmage.
Ultimately, regardless of Frye’s decision, Ohio State’s football program remains one of the top programs in college football, and the Buckeyes are well-positioned to continue competing for national championships. But, as with any coaching change, Frye’s potential departure would be a significant moment in the program’s ongoing evolution.
