Ohio State Football 2026: Day, Siereveld and Ball State

Ohio State is ready to begin its 2026 college football season. The Buckeyes will open their campaign against Ball State on September 5.

Head coach Ryan Day is preparing his team for another demanding season. Ohio State enters the year with high expectations after recent championship success.

Day is also overseeing changes on the offensive side of the ball. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is part of that transition. The Buckeyes hope those changes can improve an offense that must perform well against a difficult schedule.

Ohio State has dominated its season openers throughout program history. The Buckeyes own a 120-12-4 record in season-opening games.

They also have an impressive record against current Mid-American Conference opponents. Ohio State is 39-1 against those teams, including a 36-game unbeaten streak.

Austin Siereveld Returns to Right Guard

One of the biggest offensive line storylines involves Austin Siereveld. The senior is expected to start at right guard against Ball State.

The move represents a major change for Siereveld. He spent the 2025 season at left tackle and became comfortable in the position.

Siereveld originally arrived at Ohio State as a guard. However, injuries and roster needs eventually pushed him toward tackle.

The move worked extremely well.

He played 809 snaps at left tackle and earned All-Big Ten recognition. His performance showed that he could handle one of the most demanding positions on the offensive line.

However, Ohio State coaches wanted him back at guard for 2026.

Siereveld initially disliked the idea. He even told offensive line coach Tyler Bowen that he hated playing right guard.

His view has changed since then.

More offseason repetitions helped him adjust. Siereveld said he became comfortable with the position during summer workouts. He now likes playing right guard again.

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Ohio State Builds an Experienced Interior Line

Siereveld’s return to guard could give Ohio State a powerful interior offensive line.

He is expected to line up alongside Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman. Together, the three players bring significant experience to the unit.

The trio enters 2026 with 4,643 combined career snaps.

That experience could become especially important for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have 51 newcomers on the roster this season.

Veteran offensive linemen can provide stability while younger players adjust to college football.

The interior group also brings considerable size. Siereveld, Montgomery and Hinzman combine for 941 pounds.

That physical presence could help Ohio State improve its running game. Strong interior blocking may also create better opportunities for the team’s quarterbacks and running backs.

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Left Tackle Depth Gives Ohio State Flexibility

Austin Siereveld’s move to guard does not leave Ohio State without options at left tackle.

Junior Ian Moore is expected to start at left tackle against Ball State. He showed promise when given opportunities during the previous season.

Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Phillip Daniels are also expected to contribute along the offensive line.

Ohio State has additional depth behind its projected starters. Josh Padilla, Gabe VanSickle and Jake Cook provide more options on the interior.

That depth gives Ryan Day greater flexibility.

If Moore struggles at left tackle, Siereveld could potentially move back outside. His previous experience at the position makes him a valuable insurance option.

A Difficult Schedule Awaits the Buckeyes

The Ball State game is only the beginning for Ohio State.

After facing Ball State, the Buckeyes travel to Texas on September 12. Texas is ranked No. 4 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Ohio State will then face Kent State before entering a challenging Big Ten schedule.

The Buckeyes are scheduled to play Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan.

The Oregon matchup is another major test. Michigan remains one of the most important games on the schedule.

Because of that demanding slate, Ohio State needs its offensive line to develop quickly.

Siereveld Brings Versatility to Ohio State

Siereveld’s career demonstrates why versatility matters in college football.

He has played multiple offensive line positions during his Ohio State career. He has dealt with injuries, lineup changes and position switches while continuing to contribute.

Now, he returns to the position where Ohio State originally recruited him.

The move could benefit both Siereveld and the Buckeyes. He can play a position that fits his natural strengths, while Ohio State gains an experienced and versatile starter.

The Ball State opener will provide the first major opportunity to see how the new offensive line configuration performs.

For Ohio State, the goal is clear. The Buckeyes want another championship run, and success will begin with strong play in the trenches.