‘He’s a Tough Dude’: Ohio State Football Has Positioned Itself for Sustained Success at Center

When you think of Ohio State football, names like Urban Meyer, Ryan Day, J.T. Barrett, and Chris Olave may come to mind, but there’s one position on the field that often flies under the radar for casual fans, despite its importance to the team’s success: center. The center is the unheralded hero of the offensive line, tasked with the crucial job of snapping the ball to the quarterback, protecting the pocket, and opening running lanes. For Ohio State, this position has been a focal point of stability and leadership for years, and the program seems to have positioned itself for sustained success at the center position for the foreseeable future.

As the Buckeyes prepare for another season, the center position remains a vital component to their offensive success. Recent developments, including the development of young talent and the emergence of new leaders, signal that Ohio State’s offensive line, and more specifically the center position, is in good hands. With a rich tradition of talented centers and a pipeline that continues to produce elite talent, the Buckeyes’ approach to this position has been a cornerstone of their offensive dominance.

The Importance of the Center Position in Ohio State’s System

Before diving into the specifics of Ohio State’s current and future success at center, it’s important to understand just why the center is such a pivotal part of any team’s offense. The center’s responsibilities extend far beyond simply snapping the ball. This position requires a player with intelligence, leadership, physicality, and versatility. In Ohio State’s system, where the offense operates at a high tempo and often features an explosive running game, the center must be a focal point in both the pass and run game.

Key Responsibilities:

• Snap to the Quarterback: The center is the player who starts every play, making a clean and accurate snap to the quarterback, which is critical in a fast-paced offense.
• Pass Protection: A center must be able to read defensive fronts, make quick decisions, and block interior defensive linemen or blitzing linebackers.
• Run Blocking: In Ohio State’s traditional power-running offense, the center is integral in establishing running lanes, especially on inside zone or gap running plays.
• Leadership: As the “quarterback of the offensive line,” the center is often the one to make line calls, adjust blocking schemes, and provide leadership in the huddle.

Ohio State has long relied on its offensive line to impose its will on opponents, and the center has been the anchor of that unit. Whether it’s establishing a dominant ground game or providing the pocket protection needed for dynamic quarterbacks like Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud, the center has been at the heart of the Buckeyes’ success.

The Evolution of the Ohio State Center Position

Ohio State football has seen some outstanding centers come through its program, and many have gone on to achieve success in the NFL. Some of the more notable names in recent memory include Pat Elflein, Billy Price, and Michael Jordan. Each of these players was a key part of Ohio State’s offensive line during their respective times in Columbus, and their success at the next level has helped reinforce the Buckeyes’ reputation for producing elite talent on the offensive line.

• Pat Elflein was a mainstay in the middle of Ohio State’s offensive line during their 2014 national championship run. His leadership and play helped solidify one of the best offensive lines in the country.
• Billy Price, who played center for Ohio State from 2014 to 2017, was a key cog in their powerful offense and went on to have a successful career in the NFL.
• Michael Jordan, who played for Ohio State from 2016 to 2019, also left his mark on the program. As a versatile offensive lineman, he demonstrated the flexibility and intelligence that Ohio State values at the center position.

Each of these players contributed to Ohio State’s tradition of excellence at center, and their ability to transition to successful professional careers shows just how vital the role of the center is in the program’s overall success.

Ohio State’s Current Center: The Next Star

While Ohio State has produced a long line of talented centers, the question on many minds heading into the 2025 season is: Who will step up next? The future of Ohio State’s center position seems in very good hands, with the emergence of Carson Hinzman, a sophomore center who has been turning heads in spring practice. Hinzman, a highly-rated recruit out of Wisconsin, arrived in Columbus with big expectations, and he’s been living up to them in his short time with the Buckeyes.

Carson Hinzman was part of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented interior offensive linemen in his class. His combination of size, strength, and football IQ has already drawn comparisons to some of Ohio State’s all-time great centers. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Hinzman possesses the physical tools necessary to succeed at the position, but it’s his mental approach to the game that has made him a standout. His ability to read defenses, call out blocking assignments, and his natural leadership skills have allowed him to quickly become a leader on the offensive line.

Hinzman’s development will be key for Ohio State as they look to continue their dominance on the offensive line. Having a center who can not only handle the physicality of the position but also take command of the offense in the huddle is vital for maintaining consistency on the line.

In a recent interview, Ryan Day praised Hinzman’s toughness and his readiness to step into the starting role. Day referred to him as “a tough dude,” highlighting his grit and ability to take control of the offensive line. This kind of praise from the head coach is a clear indication that Hinzman is poised to be the next in a long line of standout centers at Ohio State.

The Importance of Recruiting and Depth at the Position

One of the reasons Ohio State has been able to maintain such a high level of success at the center position is the program’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent at the position. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have continued to prioritize the offensive line, which has paid dividends not only at the center spot but across the entire line. Ohio State has developed a reputation for producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and the center position is no exception.

Depth and Competition:
At Ohio State, the center position is not just about finding one talented player; it’s also about ensuring depth and competition at the position. Even as Hinzman takes center stage, the Buckeyes have several capable backups and potential future starters who will push him in practice. This type of internal competition ensures that the center position remains a key focus of development throughout the year.

Recruiting Impact:
Ohio State has continued to recruit elite offensive line talent, and with the addition of players like Hinzman and others in the pipeline, the future of the center position is bright. In addition to Hinzman, Ohio State’s offensive line class for the 2025 season includes players like Austin Siereveld, a highly-rated interior lineman who could also play at center in the future. This ongoing recruitment at the position gives Ohio State the flexibility to plug in top-level talent at center for years to come.

What’s Next for Ohio State at Center?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Ohio State’s success at center will be closely tied to the performance of Carson Hinzman. The team’s ability to maintain a strong offensive line will be crucial as they continue to compete at the highest levels in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Having a center who can make the right calls, protect the quarterback, and open running lanes will be essential for Ohio State’s offensive game plan.

As for Hinzman, his development will be under the spotlight. The Buckeyes are poised to return to a college football playoff contention and a strong showing at center will be critical for their chances. The center is often the unsung hero of a high-powered offense, but for Ohio State, it’s clear that the position will continue to be a linchpin for their success.

With strong leadership from the coaching staff and the continued development of young talent, Ohio State football is well-positioned to maintain its success at center. Whether it’s Hinzman or another future star, the Buckeyes’ pipeline at this position appears to be in good hands, ensuring that their offensive line remains a dominant force in college football for years to come.

Ohio State’s Legacy at Center

Ohio State’s tradition of excellence on the offensive line, and particularly at the center position, is one of the cornerstones of their sustained success. From past standouts like Pat Elflein and Billy Price to the emerging talent of Carson Hinzman, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves to continue their legacy at this vital position. With an emphasis on recruitment, development, and leadership, Ohio State’s center position will remain a source of strength for the program as they aim for more championships in the years ahead.

As the Buckeyes look to dominate the Big Ten and make another run at the College Football Playoff, the center position will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the offense’s ability to execute at a high level. And with Carson Hinzman leading the charge, Ohio State’s success at center is far from over—it’s just beginning.