{"id":85595,"date":"2026-02-23T17:10:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T22:10:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=85595"},"modified":"2026-02-23T17:10:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T22:10:57","slug":"projecting-the-ohio-state-spring-offensive-two-deep-depth-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2026\/02\/23\/projecting-the-ohio-state-spring-offensive-two-deep-depth-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"Projecting the Ohio State Spring Offensive Two-Deep Depth Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ohio State’s Spring practices are set to kick off on March 10th. Fresh off a disappointing end to the title defense and a mass exodus via the portal and NFL, the Buckeyes have a handful of questions to answer in the coming weeks. While the offense is almost a given with only a few new pieces, there will be a few new pieces needing to step up. Ohio State’s offense will be led by experienced NFL playcaller Arthur Smith<\/a>. The jury is going to be out on that hire for a while, just as it was with Matt Patricia on the defensive side. The plus side? He has plenty of talent to work with, plus eight returning starters, including four on the offensive line.<\/p>\n

Ohio State’s offense was disappointingly not explosive in 2025. Did Day and company<\/a> keep the training wheels on a young quarterback, or were they trying to hide deficiencies on the offensive line? Either way, it all came to a head against the two teams that played for the National Championship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ohio State’s schedule is quite a bit more difficult than it is used to. Let’s take a look at what the offense could be heading into Spring. This isn’t what we expect the depth chart to be right now. Rather, it’s a pre-Spring projection of what the starting lineup will be in August.<\/p>\n

Projecting the Ohio State Spring Offensive Two-Deep Depth Chart<\/h2>\n

Quarterback<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Julian Sayin<\/a> (RS. Sophomore)<\/li>\n
  2. Tavien St. Clair<\/a> (RS. Freshman)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Year one of Sayin was pretty great. He led the nation by completing 77% of his passes and was on pace to set the single-season record before the CFP Cotton Bowl against Miami. Could this be the final season of Sayin in the scarlet and gray? Time will tell, considering he’s a tad smaller than the typical first-round quarterback. However, his accuracy has been his strength. In 2026, he should have a better grasp of the offense, resulting in an even better campaign.<\/p>\n

    The backup quarterback spot is up for grabs, but the best bet would be the five-star homegrown quarterback who could be the heir apparent. St. Clair came to Ohio State incredibly talented but raw. Day has spoken highly of St. Clair’s development, so another year learning the ropes could be the best thing for the quarterback and the Buckeyes.<\/p>\n

    Running Back<\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Bo Jackson<\/a> (Sophomore)<\/li>\n
    2. Isaiah West<\/a> (Sophomore) OR<\/li>\n
    3. Ja’Kobi Jackson<\/a> (Seventh-Year Senior)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      After putting up 1,090 yards and six touchdowns, the job is Jackson’s to lose. As a true freshman, Jackson rose to the top of a crowded room in no time and provided the offense with the juice it was missing. His vision and deciciveness is what separates him from the pack. As just the fifth freshman to eclipse 1,000 yards, Jackson has high expectations heading into 2026.<\/p>\n

      Behind him, Ohio State will likely have a rotation, led by another sophomore. West only managed 310 yards and two scores last year, but he catapulted himself ahead of more established backs as the season went on (hence James Peoples<\/a> transferring out). He also gave the Buckeyes a jolt on offense and has played well above his three-star recruiting rankings. Veteran transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson will also factor in. He only played in four games last year due to injury, but in 2024, he amassed 509 yards and seven touchdowns.<\/p>\n

      Wide Receiver (X)<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Jeremiah Smith<\/a> (Junior)<\/li>\n
      2. Jerquaden Guilford (Freshman)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Arguably the best player in college football, Smith is set to return for his third and final season with the Buckeyes. After two All-American seasons (one unanimous), a Biletnikoff Award finalist selection, and a sixth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting, Smith is within striking distance of history. He’s only 43 receptions, 311 yards, and nine touchdowns away from owning the career records for each stat at Ohio State.<\/p>\n

        This year’s freshman class has two receivers who could break out. Guilford is about as talented a receiver as you’d find. The six-foot-one, 185-pound receiver from Indiana is going to get plenty of playing time this fall. The amount will be up to whatever happens in the other two receiver roles. There are plenty of receivers who will make an impact. Guilford may be one.<\/p>\n

        Wide Receiver (Y\/Slot)<\/h3>\n
          \n
        1. Brandon Inniss<\/a> (RS Senior)<\/li>\n
        2. Kyle Parker<\/a> (RS Junior) OR<\/li>\n
        3. Devin McCuin<\/a> (Senior)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Heading into 2026, Inniss is the incumbent slot receiver. He was finally able to crack the starting lineup, but only managed 271 yards and three touchdowns. Inniss has plenty of fans within the program, and already having experience in the offense will play to his advantage.<\/p>\n

          However, there is a reason the Buckeyes went out and got two transfer receivers. Both McCuin and Parker have opportunities to crack the starting lineup anywhere that isn’t currently occupied by a generational, potential first-overall pick. Parker was an explosive receiver for LSU that the Tigers were not happy to lose. In 2025, he totaled 330 yards and four touchdowns on 31 receptions in an offense that was 103rd in scoring, 63rd in passing, and 111th in total offense.<\/p>\n

          Wide Receiver (Z)<\/h3>\n
            \n
          1. Chris Henry<\/a> Jr. (Freshman)<\/li>\n
          2. Devin McCuin (Senior) OR<\/li>\n
          3. Kyle Parker (RS Junior)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Henry Jr. already looks the part of a big-time collegiate receiver, but it will be interesting if he’s able to live up to the expectations. Comparing him to Smith’s freshman season would be unfair, especially this far out. At six-foot-five and 201 pounds, he’s the largest receiver Ohio State has had in a while. While he’s not quite to the level of Smith in terms of sheer productivity, Henry could be an impact player and is widely expected to be a Tee Higgins-type player.<\/p>\n

            Just like with slot receiver, McCuin could factor in. Over the course of his three seasons with UTSA, McCuin totaled 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns on 152 receptions (11.2 yards per reception).<\/p>\n

            With so many departures, Ohio State could have upwards of five or six receivers earning significant playing time.<\/p>\n

            Tight End<\/h3>\n
              \n
            1. Mason Williams<\/a> (Senior)<\/li>\n
            2. Nate Roberts<\/a> (Sophomore)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Just like with the receivers, there will be plenty of tight ends to earn playing time. If there’s anything Smith’s time in the NFL showed, it’s that he loves his tight ends. We will project Williams to be at the top of the depth chart, not unlike Will Kacmarek<\/a>, who was technically ahead of Max Klare<\/a>. Williams, like Kacmarek, came from Ohio and is a blocking-first tight end.<\/p>\n

              Let’s say Roberts is next up. He played in 13 games last year, mostly as a fullback type of player. He’s incredibly athletic and was uber-productive in high school on both sides of the ball. It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Roberts leads the tight ends in receiving this year.<\/p>\n

              Offensive Line<\/h3>\n

              Left Tackle<\/h3>\n
                \n
              1. Ian Moore<\/a> (RS Sophomore)<\/li>\n
              2. Sam Greer (Freshman)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Ohio State has a problem it hasn’t had in a while. There are six players good enough to crack the “five best.”<\/p>\n

                Last year, Moore stepped up in relief of Siereveld in the Cotton Bowl and also made a start at right tackle against Purdue. Heading into 2026, Moore is the popular pick to be a breakout player on the offensive line. Behind him, it would be impressive if a freshman is able to crack the two-deep, but Greer is a guy those in the know are excited about. The multi-sport, six-foot-six, 315-pound lineman is more athletic than someone of his size should be and was a top-six lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. Plus, he’s from Ohio!<\/p>\n

                Left Guard<\/h3>\n
                  \n
                1. Luke Montgomory<\/a> (RS Junior)<\/li>\n
                2. Jake Cook<\/a> (RS Freshman)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Last year’s 14-game starter at left guard is back for more after spurning a potential NFL Draft bid. According to Pro Football Focus’s charting, Montgomery allowed no sacks and 10 pressures over 366 pass-blocking snaps in the regular season, but was one of the many linemen to struggle in the final two games. He was also one of the few commanding presences on the line in the run game.<\/p>\n

                  Cook will be a popular pick to battle for all three interior positions. His development over the last year will be key, but his toughness is not going to be challenged. In his final season in high school, he played the entire year on a busted ankle.<\/p>\n

                  Center<\/h3>\n
                    \n
                  1. Carson Hinzman<\/a> (RS Senior)<\/li>\n
                  2. Joshua Padilla<\/a> (RS Junior)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Hinzman was the starting center as a redshirt freshman in 2023, then was firmly in the doghouse following the season and into 2024. Instead of transferring out, he earned a rotational role and retook the center job after Seth McLaughlin’s injury, which he kept for 2025. He was actually Ohio State’s best pass blocker and only allowed one sack and 16 pressures over the season.<\/p>\n

                    Padilla could be the sixth-best Buckeye offensive lineman. He missed some time due to injury, but came in in relief in the Cotton Bowl. He turned a weakness at right guard into something closer to what it should have been. He could be the first one off the bench if he doesn’t win a starting job outright.<\/p>\n

                    Right Guard<\/h3>\n
                      \n
                    1. Phillip Daniels<\/a> (RS Junior) OR<\/li>\n
                    2. Joshua Padilla (RS Junior)<\/li>\n
                    3. Gabe VanSickle<\/a> (RS Sophomore)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      If Padilla doesn’t take over the right guard role, it makes sense that Daniels, last year’s right tackle, could slide inside. The right side of the offensive line was a weakness for the Buckeyes, but it was mostly due to inefficiencies at right guard. Daniels was solid last year and got better as the season went on. Of course, he also struggled against Indiana and Miami, but he should be a favorite to be among the five best.<\/p>\n

                      Behind Padilla and\/or Daniels, VanSickle makes sense. He was the go-to at right guard when the Buckeyes made a change, though he wasn’t quite up to standard at the time. Hopefully, with another offseason under his belt, VanSickle should be better in 2026.<\/p>\n

                      Right Tackle<\/h3>\n
                        \n
                      1. Austin Siereveld<\/a> (RS Junior)<\/li>\n
                      2. Carter Lowe<\/a> (RS Freshman)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Finally, Siereveld is going to have a starting role. He could have left for the NFL as well, but elected to return. He was great as a left tackle, so keeping him over there is certainly in question. Behind him, Lowe is a prototypical tackle with great size and athleticism. With another year of development under his belt, Lowe could be one of the starting five in 2027.<\/p>\n

                        Main Image: Adam Cairns\/Columbus Dispatch \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        The Ohio State spring practices are about to kick off. Let’s take a shot at predicting the two-deep depth chart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4051,"featured_media":85598,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[35609,2],"tags":[35921,35802,34863,3348,34989],"class_list":["post-85595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ohio-state-buckeyes","category-featured","tag-arthur-smith","tag-jerquaden-guilford","tag-matt-patricia","tag-ryan-day","tag-sam-greer"],"modified_by":"Tony Siracusa, CFB Managing Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4051"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85595"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85599,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85595\/revisions\/85599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}