As the College Football Playoff race heats up, Ohio State has found itself facing an unexpected and significant setback. The Buckeyes, who are firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot, will have to navigate the rest of the 2024 season without one of their most pivotal players: starting center Seth McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, an All-American caliber talent, suffered a torn Achilles in a non-contact injury, effectively ending his campaign. The loss of such a key player, especially in the midst of a playoff push, is a tough pill to swallow for any team. While quarterbacks often get the bulk of the attention as the team’s leader, the center plays a critical role as well. Not only does the center anchor the offensive line, but he’s also responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback on every play. With McLaughlin out, Ohio State’s offense will need to adjust quickly if they are to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Head coach Ryan Day spoke about the devastating news, expressing both his sympathy for McLaughlin and his commitment to moving forward. “Yeah, you know, Seth tore his Achilles on a non-contact injury. Crushed for Seth, you know, and our team, but once that wears off you have to move on,” Day explained, according to On3’s Spencer Holbrook. “It’s a next-man-up mentality. Certainly, nobody cares. We’ll make adjustments.”
Day’s words reflect a common philosophy in college football: adversity strikes, but teams must continue to press forward. The Buckeyes can’t afford to dwell on the injury, especially with a tough game against No. 5 Indiana looming. With the College Football Playoff on the line, every game matters, and Ohio State will need to find a way to stay sharp on both sides of the ball.
The Adjustment: Carson Hinzman Moves to Center
The good news for Ohio State is that they have a capable backup in left guard Carson Hinzman. Hinzman, who started 12 games at center last season, is the natural choice to slide over and fill McLaughlin’s shoes. The shift should allow the offensive line to maintain some continuity, with Hinzman’s experience at center helping to ease the transition.
However, the ripple effect of McLaughlin’s injury extends beyond the center position. With Hinzman moving to center, the left guard spot now opens up, and sophomore Austin Siereveld is the next man up. Siereveld, who started two games earlier this season at left guard, will have to step up and provide stability alongside Hinzman. The young player has had limited experience, but the Buckeyes will need him to perform at a high level if the offensive line is to remain effective in McLaughlin’s absence.
A Tough Loss, But Ohio State’s Resolve is Strong
Losing a leader like McLaughlin is undeniably a body blow for Ohio State, as Day put it. McLaughlin has been a cornerstone of the offensive line since his arrival, and his leadership both on and off the field will be sorely missed. Day acknowledged the emotional impact of the injury, but he also emphasized the need to move forward as a team.
“It’s like a body blow when something like that happens. Seth means a lot to this team and what he’s done since he’s been here. … We’re going to move on, focus on the future and focus on the guys who are in the game,” Day said.
Despite the setback, Ohio State has the talent and depth to adjust. The team will lean on experienced players like Hinzman, as well as the leadership of quarterback Kyle McCord and the rest of the offensive unit, to keep things running smoothly. The next-man-up mentality will be critical as the Buckeyes face a tough schedule in the coming weeks.
As the playoff picture tightens, Ohio State’s resilience will be put to the test. The road ahead will certainly be more challenging without McLaughlin, but if any program is equipped to handle adversity, it’s Ohio State. The Buckeyes will need to dig deep, stay focused, and trust the process to continue their quest for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
