Ohio State’s starting offensive line is coming into clearer focus with less than two weeks until the season opener against Ball State. Head coach Ryan Day provided a strong indication Monday that the Buckeyes have settled on a key positional change up front.
Austin Siereveld, who started at left tackle last season, has been working at right guard during fall camp. The move would allow Ian Moore to take over at left tackle.
What Happened
Day addressed the offensive line after practice and highlighted Siereveld’s transition inside.
“The offensive line right now, Austin’s been working at guard, and you know it’s been good,” Day said. “He obviously spent a long time at tackle last year, and so he’s been working inside, and you know every day he’s getting more and more comfortable getting back in there. So you know you’re seeing Carson, Luke, and Austin inside, and then Ian and Phil on the outside, and they’re working together right now, and getting a lot of reps with ones.”
The comments strongly suggest the projected starting five is taking shape as:
- Left tackle: Ian Moore
- Left guard: Luke Montgomery
- Center: Carson Hinzman
- Right guard: Austin Siereveld
- Right tackle: Phillip Daniels
Day noted that no final decision has been made official, but the current alignment and first-team reps point in this direction.
Why This Matters
Ohio State returns four starters from last year’s offensive line. The primary question entering camp was whether the staff would keep Siereveld at tackle or move him back to his more natural interior spot. Choosing the latter signals confidence in Moore’s readiness to protect the quarterback’s blind side full-time.
Siereveld’s return to guard strengthens the interior, where experience and physicality are valuable in both the run game and pass protection. Moore, entering his third season, saw limited but promising action last year, including snaps in the College Football Playoff against Miami.
Key Details Fans Need to Know
Moore played 230 total snaps between the offensive line and special teams in 2025. This will be his first season as a full-time starter. The jump in responsibility is significant, especially with a schedule that includes road tests at Texas and other high-level pass rushers.
Siereveld started at left tackle in 2025 but has extensive experience inside. Moving him back to right guard aligns with his natural skill set and allows the staff to maximize his strengths.
The interior combination of Montgomery, Hinzman, and Siereveld gives Ohio State a veteran core up the middle, while Moore and Daniels handle the edges.
What Happens Next
The remaining practices before the Ball State opener will be critical for chemistry and final evaluations. How quickly Moore settles in at left tackle and how the new interior combination gels will be major storylines through the first two weeks, particularly with the road trip to Texas in Week 2.
Day’s comments suggest the staff is increasingly comfortable with the current grouping, but the unit will still need to prove itself against live competition.
The Bigger Picture
A stable, experienced offensive line remains one of the foundational pieces for any Ohio State team with national championship aspirations. Returning four starters and finding a workable fifth option early in camp is a positive development.
If Moore develops into a reliable blind-side protector and the interior maintains consistency, the Buckeyes’ offensive line has the potential to be a clear strength rather than a question mark in 2026.
FAQ Section
Is Austin Siereveld moving to guard?
Yes. Ryan Day confirmed he has been working at guard and is growing more comfortable there.
Who is projected to start at left tackle?
Ian Moore appears to be the leading candidate based on Day’s comments about the current first-team alignment.
Has Ohio State made an official depth chart announcement?
No. Day indicated the group is working together with the ones, but no final public decision has been declared.
Why is the Siereveld move significant?
It returns him to a more natural interior position while giving Moore the opportunity to start at left tackle.
When does Ohio State open the season?
September 5 at home against Ball State, followed by a road game at Texas the next week.
Reader Question
Are you comfortable with Ian Moore starting at left tackle, or would you have preferred Ohio State keep Austin Siereveld on the edge?
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