Buckle up, Buckeye fans! The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a potentially dominant 2026 season, and the offensive line just got a massive boost. Left tackle Austin Siereveld has announced he'll be returning for his redshirt junior year instead of testing the waters in the 2026 NFL draft. This is huge news!
Siereveld, who was an 'Iron Buckeye' in both the winter and summer of 2025, truly blossomed into one of Ohio State's best offensive linemen this past season. Pro Football Focus gave him an impressive 83.5 overall grade. His run blocking earned him an 83.3, and his pass protection wasn't far behind at 73.7. In over 810 snaps, he only allowed 15 pressures – 13 hurries and 2 quarterback hits – and remarkably, zero sacks! That's the kind of protection every quarterback dreams of.
With Siereveld back in the trenches, the Buckeyes are set to have their left tackle, quarterback (Julian Sayin), and top offensive weapon (Jeremiah Smith) all locked in for 2026. They're also welcoming back wide receiver Brandon Inniss and starting running back Bo Jackson. Adding to the offensive firepower are UTSA transfer wideout Devin McCuin, who snagged 65 passes for 726 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025, and transfer tight ends Mason Williams (Ohio) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern), who combined for 54 receptions, 572 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
But here's where it gets interesting: Siereveld is just one piece of the puzzle. He joins left guard Luke Montgomery and center Carson Hinzman in deciding to return. If right tackle Phillip Daniels also stays, Ohio State will have four of its five starting offensive linemen from 2025 back on the field. The only departure so far is right guard Tegra Tshabola, who is transferring to Kentucky.
This raises a fascinating question: Will this continuity on the offensive line be the key to unlocking a championship run? Or will the loss of Tshabola create a vulnerability? What do you think, Buckeyes fans? Share your thoughts in the comments! Do you believe this returning offensive line will be a game-changer?
