The Ohio State Buckeyes’ upcoming showdown with the Indiana Hoosiers cannot be overstated. It is unarguably one of the most pivotal matchups for both teams, as it could have huge playoff implications.
Not to mention, it could very well be a deciding factor for a spot in the Big Ten championship. The No. 2 Buckeyes are 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the conference, while the No. 5 Hoosiers remain undefeated with a 10-0 overall record and 7-0 in the conference.
That being said, however, the Buckeyes will be without a key starter when they take on the Hoosiers on Saturday. Ohio State football’s starting center, Seth McLaughlin, suffered a torn Achilles injury during practice and is now set to miss the rest of the season, per The Columbus Dispatch.
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linemen, from left, Tegra Tshabola (77), Seth McLaughlin (56), Carson Hinzman (75) and Donovan Jackson (74) line up
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
McLaughlin, who played for Alabama from 2020 to 2023 before transferring to Ohio State, had been a huge part of the Ohio State offensive line that was already missing offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
McLaughlin had started in all 10 games for Ohio State this season. He’s one of only three offensive linemen to not allow a sack for the Buckeyes.
It remains to be seen what head coach Ryan Day will do and who he will pick to replace Seth McLaughlin in the starting lineup. However, there’s no denying that the timing of the injury couldn’t be worse.
