The offensive line has long been the cornerstone of any successful college football program, and for the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s no different. In fact, over the years, Ohio State has built a reputation for developing some of the most formidable offensive lines in college football, helping propel Heisman-caliber quarterbacks and dynamic running backs to national prominence. This season, the Buckeyes have faced questions about their offensive line, particularly after losing several key contributors to the NFL draft and graduation. However, after several weeks of evaluation, shuffling, and a few growing pains, Ohio State appears to have found its best offensive line combination—a unit that can carry them back to the top of the Big Ten and make a run at the national championship.
As of now, the Buckeyes have found a balance between experience, youth, and versatility that makes them one of the most complete and cohesive offensive lines in the country. Let’s take a look at how Ohio State has arrived at this ideal line-up, how they match up against top-tier competition, and why this group could be the key to their success in the 2025 season.
Early Season Struggles and Shuffling
Every football team goes through its ups and downs during the early part of the season, but for Ohio State’s offensive line, the struggles were particularly noticeable. While the Buckeyes have consistently recruited elite offensive line prospects, losing multiple NFL-caliber linemen created an understandable gap. Add in the challenges of integrating new starters and adapting to evolving schemes, and it was clear that the offensive line needed time to gel.
At the start of the season, head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye experimented with different combinations in an effort to find the right mix. Some players were moved between tackle and guard, while others rotated in and out of the starting lineup as the coaching staff assessed who could best protect quarterback Kyle McCord and open up holes for running backs Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson.
For example, Donovan Jackson, one of Ohio State’s rising stars, was initially moved from left guard to right tackle in a bid to bolster the tackle positions. Meanwhile, Matthew Jones, a veteran who had spent his career at guard, was asked to take over the center role in the early weeks. The early struggles of consistency and pass protection were a result of these shuffling moves.
However, this experimentation, while tough at times, allowed Ohio State to assess each player’s strengths and weaknesses in different roles. Fortunately, those growing pains were not in vain, as it gave the staff the clarity needed to establish a more permanent and effective starting five.
The Final Offensive Line Combination
By midseason, Ohio State’s offensive line began to hit its stride. The key players that have solidified themselves in the starting roles have not only demonstrated talent, but also an understanding of each other’s playing styles, a crucial component for any offensive line. The Buckeyes’ current starting five features a blend of youth, talent, and experience—each of these linemen bringing something special to the table.
Left Tackle: Paris Johnson Jr.
Paris Johnson Jr. has been a foundational piece for Ohio State since his freshman year. The 6’6”, 310-pound left tackle has NFL-level potential and is one of the most dominant pass blockers in the country. Johnson’s ability to protect McCord’s blindside has been one of the primary reasons why the offense has been able to operate smoothly. His quick feet, powerful hands, and ability to handle elite pass rushers make him a vital piece of Ohio State’s offensive line.
Why it works:
- Pass Protection: Johnson excels in keeping pass rushers at bay and maintaining a clean pocket for McCord.
- Run Blocking: While he’s primarily known for his pass protection, Johnson is also a key part of Ohio State’s run game, using his power to open lanes on the left side.
Left Guard: Donovan Jackson
After spending the early part of the season shuffling between positions, Donovan Jackson has solidified himself as the left guard. Jackson’s combination of size (6’4”, 315 pounds), athleticism, and intelligence gives Ohio State a formidable force in the middle of the line. His ability to generate power at the point of attack while maintaining quickness allows him to excel in both the running and passing game.
Why it works:
- Physicality: Jackson’s strength and mobility make him a key part of Ohio State’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage.
- Versatility: Though he was initially tried at tackle, Jackson’s natural position as a guard allows him to use his technique to dominate defenders, both in pass protection and run blocking.
Center: Matthew Jones
Matthew Jones has emerged as the leader of the offensive line at the center position. A seasoned veteran, Jones has the experience and football IQ to make the necessary calls at the line of scrimmage and ensure the offensive line stays cohesive. His transition from guard to center earlier in the season may have seemed like a gamble, but it has paid off as he’s become a stabilizing presence for the Buckeyes.
Why it works:
- Leadership: Jones’ leadership and experience make him an invaluable resource for both the offensive line and the entire offense.
- Awareness: He excels at making adjustments at the line, especially in terms of identifying blitzes and making quick decisions in pass protection.
Right Guard: Luke Wypler
Luke Wypler, a dynamic and physical lineman, has become the right guard after taking over for an injured starter earlier in the season. At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, Wypler plays with excellent leverage and balance, often taking on multiple defenders in the same play. His ability to dominate at the point of attack has been a major asset to the Buckeyes, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Why it works:
- Leverage: Wypler uses his size and strength to generate consistent push in the run game, especially in inside zone blocking schemes.
- Physical Presence: His toughness is evident, and his high motor allows him to finish blocks, creating more explosive plays for the offense.
Right Tackle: Dawand Jones
Finally, at right tackle, Dawand Jones has emerged as a key player who has solidified Ohio State’s offensive line. At 6’8” and 360 pounds, Jones is an absolute mountain of a man who uses his length, size, and surprising agility to protect the quarterback and open up holes in the run game. His physicality makes him a dominant force on the right side of the line, and he’s become a player that teams must account for on every play.
Why it works:
- Size and Strength: Jones uses his immense size to handle powerful pass rushers and create space in the run game.
- Mobility: Despite his size, Jones is surprisingly agile for a player of his stature. This allows him to execute both run-blocking and pass-protection assignments effectively.
The Cohesion and Dominance
The most crucial aspect of Ohio State’s current offensive line combination is the cohesion between the five starters. Offensive line play is often overlooked, but the best units in college football work together as a single unit rather than relying on individual talent. The Buckeyes’ line has finally reached that level of synergy, with each player knowing their responsibilities and how to communicate on the fly.
In particular, the communication between the interior linemen—Jackson, Jones, and Wypler—has been a hallmark of their success. Whether it’s picking up stunts or handling linebacker blitzes, the way they interact ensures that Ohio State’s offensive line remains stable under pressure.
Additionally, the leadership from both Paris Johnson Jr. and Matthew Jones has been crucial in ensuring that the group remains focused and works through adversity, something that was particularly important during the early weeks of the season.
As a result, Ohio State’s offensive line has turned into one of the most efficient and balanced units in college football. They are strong in both pass protection and run blocking, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage has been a key factor in Ohio State’s offensive success.
Looking Ahead
With the offensive line solidified, Ohio State is in a prime position to make a run at a Big Ten Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. The protection of Kyle McCord will allow him to distribute the ball to Ohio State’s talented skill players, while the run game, featuring dynamic backs like Travion Henderson and Miyan Williams, will continue to pose problems for opposing defenses.
As the season continues, the Buckeyes’ offensive line will be tested by some of the best defensive fronts in the country, but with this combination in place, Ohio State is poised to continue its legacy of dominant offensive line play. The Buckeyes have found their best offensive line combination—and it could be the key to their success in 2025.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s offensive line has undergone a process of trial and error, but after several adjustments and changes, the Buckeyes have found their ideal combination. The current group of Paris Johnson Jr., Donovan Jackson, Matthew Jones, Luke Wypler, and Dawand Jones gives Ohio State a balanced, powerful, and cohesive unit that can dominate in both the passing and running games. As they move forward into the second half of the season, this offensive line is poised to be one of the most formidable in college football—and perhaps the key to bringing another national title to Columbus.
Leave a Reply