Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said the offensive line remains a key concern after the team's first practice of the 2026 season. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Day is entering his eighth season, and the team aims for an eighth consecutive AP top-10 finish, including No. 5 last season when the Buckeyes fell short of defending their 2024 national championship.
After the first practice on Thursday, Day listed several concerns: "Well, I think we all wanna see how the offensive line shakes out here, that's for sure. I think the tight end room is an interesting room. I think that we do have some depth there, but who's actually gonna take the majority of those reps?"
He also mentioned backup quarterback, receiver spots three through six, running back (where 1,000-yard rusher Bo Jackson returns), and the defensive secondary.
The offensive line was a sore point throughout the offseason after being pushed around in season-ending losses to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and Miami (Fla.) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Four starters return, but more than one position might have a new starter.
On Thursday, Austin Siereveld, who started at left tackle last season, moved to right guard to allow Ian Moore to take a look at left tackle. Center Carson Hinzman, left guard Luke Montgomery, and right tackle Phillip Daniels are expected to start, but Joshua Padilla may also get a look.
At tight end, the Buckeyes lost Will Kacmarek and Max Klare to the NFL, but return Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts. Newcomers include transfers Mason Williams (Ohio University) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern).
At receiver, All-American Jeremiah Smith returns for his junior season along with senior Brandon Inniss. Depth includes five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. and transfers Devin McCuin (Texas-San Antonio) and Kyle Parker (LSU).
Despite Jackson's return, the running back pecking order is not set due to Isaiah West's strong offseason. Day said: "He had a tremendous offseason, one of the best in the whole building. When he was in there last year, he showed some real good things, so we want him to take the next step, just as we do Bo."
Freshman Legend Bey was not on the practice field Thursday due to a violation of team rules. Day said: "He's learning, but he'll be back on the field soon."
The Buckeyes open the season on Sept. 5 against Ball State before a potential top-10 matchup at Texas the following week.