Multiple reports are coming out of Columbus that starting center Seth McLaughlin tore his Achilles tendon at practice on Tuesday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The news could not come at a worse time for Ohio State as the team is preparing for the stretch run against 10-0 Indiana and arch-rival Michigan with hopes of a rematch against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. The Buckeyes already had to reshuffle the offensive line once this year after Josh Simmons went down with an injury suffered in Eugene. The line has seemed to come together in recent weeks, but the coaching staff will now need to act quickly before Saturday’s matchup with the Hoosiers.
BREAKING: Ohio State Center Seth McLaughlin has suffered a torn Achilles, and will miss the remainder of the season, per @DispatchAlerts
A huge blow for the Buckeyes, as McLaughlin was one of the best Centers in the country. pic.twitter.com/E6fU0kMS3C
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 20, 2024
While the news is devastating and we feel for McLaughlin, we know injuries are part of the game. Depth has been an issue on the offensive line, but someone is going to have to step up. The most likely scenario is moving Carson Hinzman who has been playing left guard back to center where he was a starter last year and inserting Austin Siereveld at left guard where he started the first two games of the season while Donovan Jackson was injured.
No official word has been given from Ohio State on McLaughlin’s status, but it feels like there are too many reports saying the same thing for it not to be true. Time for the next man up as the Buckeyes look to finish the season strong.
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