Five sacks. That’s how many hits Julian Sayin took from Indiana in the Big Ten Championship last season, and trust me, nobody in Columbus forgot it. As preseason camp kicks off, all eyes are locked on Bloomington, because when October 17 rolls around, the Buckeyes’ success isn’t gonna be about Sayin’s arm or Jeremiah Smith’s hands alone. It’s gonna be about whether the guys up front can protect their QB and set the tone.
Sayin’s Protection: The Make-or-Break for a Heisman Contender
Last season, Julian Sayin was a Heisman finalist. Think about that for a second! With him and Jeremiah Smith both returning, the possibilities for that passing game are just absolutely insane. But here’s the kicker: it all hinges on Sayin having enough protection. The Buckeyes were usually stellar in 2025, allowing a measly six sacks across the *entire* regular season. We’re talking 0.5 sacks per game, which is just ridiculous. So, what happened in the postseason? They gave up five sacks against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Then they turned right around and did it again, surrendering five more against Miami in the Cotton Bowl. That’s not just uncharacteristic; it’s a breakdown that screams for attention heading into 2026.
And guess who’s waiting for them in Bloomington? Indiana’s defense, which averaged 2.85 sacks per game last year. Their junior linebacker, Rolijah Hardy, logged eight sacks on his own. You think he’s not licking his chops? Ohio State is bringing back four starters from their offensive line, with almost all nine linemen who saw meaningful snaps returning. But some position shuffling is still in the works. The bottom line? If Sayin is gonna unleash Smith and get this offense cooking, he needs a clean pocket. Period. Pressure for most of the game? That disrupts everything.
Beyond the Pocket: Arthur Smith’s Rushing Attack Demands Dominance
But the offensive line’s job isn’t just about keeping Sayin upright, especially not with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the mix. Smith’s system is all about leaning into a physical rushing attack, and you can expect way more play-action than we’ve seen in recent years. Remember that Big Ten Championship game where they gave up five sacks? Ohio State also ran for just 58 total yards. That’s not gonna cut it for a physical rush-first offense.
The ability of Smith’s offense to truly take hold in Columbus is gonna come down to whether that offensive line wins on first down. That’s critical against any defense, but it’s even more crucial when you’re facing a team like Indiana. Yeah, the Hoosiers lost their Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza to the NFL, but they brought in Josh Hoover from TCU, and they’ve got a seriously threatening offensive line of their own. While Ohio State’s defense should be good enough to handle it, the absolute best defense is gonna be an offense that controls the clock and dominates the trenches.
When October 17 rolls around in Bloomington, this isn’t just another road game. It’s the ultimate test for an O-line that *has* to prove it’s championship-caliber from snap one. Sayin’s Heisman hopes, and the Buckeyes’ entire season rhythm, just might hinge on whether those five guys can shut down Indiana’s D-line. Get ready, because this O-line battle is gonna be absolutely massive.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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