McLaughlin, a transfer from Alabama, had been brought in via the transfer portal in January to be the Buckeyes’ starting center. Hinzman had been the team’s starting center for all 12 regular season games last year, but Ohio State opted for veteran experience.

But No. 2 Ohio State's 38-15 victory in front of 105,751 loud fans at Ohio Stadium was a struggle until two punt plays proved decisive. The Buckeyes capitalized on a fumbled punt snap late in the second quarter to take their first lead, and Caleb Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter.

Last year, the Ohio State offensive line was a bit of a weak point. It all came to a head in the losses to Michigan and Missouri, leaving many putting offensive line coach Justin Frye under the microscope.

Ohio State lost a major piece of its football team on Wednesday. Head coach Ryan Day announced that All-American center Seth McLaughlin has suffered a torn Achilles injury and will be out for the rest of the 2024 season.