Julian Sayin has walked into a dream scenario this season. Something that his predecessor, Will Howard, could only have wished for last year. During the 2024 season, Howard had to battle through a makeshift, injury-ravaged offensive line that shuffled positions nearly every week. But now, Sayin has the luxury of standing behind one of the most dominant O-lines in college football. This OSU O-line unit is ranked No. 1 in the nation for zero sacks allowed and just two tackles for loss through the early season.

Last season was a nightmare up front for the Buckeyes, and Howard had to pay the price. Star left tackle Josh Simmons tore his patellar tendon against Oregon in Week 7, forcing Donovan Jackson to shift from his natural left guard position to tackle. This move created a domino effect of shuffling across the entire line. Then, center Seth McLaughlin, the Rimington Trophy winner, ruptured his Achilles in late November, forcing Carson Hinzman back into the starting lineup at center after he’d lost that job in fall camp. By the time the playoff rolled around, Ohio State was trotting out its seventh different offensive line combination of the season. 

Fast forward to 2025, and David Pollack can’t say enough about the transformation. “Ohio State’s O-line, the biggest weakness from a year ago, it might be the biggest strength on this offense,” Pollack noted on his podcast. “Obviously, the receiver core is probably number one, but their O linemen are nasty. They’re physical. They keep their feet running. When they get on zone tracks, they’re fun to watch. Pass protection has been really, really good.” That’s high praise from a former defensive player who knows what good offensive line play looks like. And the unit deserves every bit of that praise. 

The O-line has given Julian Sayin the stability to lead the FBS in completion percentage at 80.2% and post an elite passing efficiency rating of 196.99. Meanwhile, Howard dealt with injuries throughout the year, taking brutal hits throughout the year, including one that knocked him out briefly against Michigan and another that left his hand grotesquely swollen during the Cotton Bowl. The man had to build chemistry at every juncture while his protection crumbled around him.

The difference starts with continuity and health. Austin Siereveld has locked down left tackle after gaining experience at multiple positions during spring practice. And the interior trio of Luke Montgomery at left guard, Carson Hinzman at center, and Tegra Tshabola at right guard returned from last season’s playoff run. New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen has instilled a physical mentality and developed depth that allows the Buckeyes to rotate guys like Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa without missing a beat. Whatever the secret sauce might be, it’s working. And if OSU went on to win the natty with a ravaged O-line, there’s no one stopping them from repeating last year, except maybe Miami.

Is dominance enough to keep the crown?

All that offensive line dominance and 5-0 perfection might not be enough to silence the critics who think Ohio State’s sitting pretty at No. 1 without really earning it, and it’s the same analyst as well. David Pollack isn’t buying the Buckeyes as the top dog, even if they’re reigning champs with a rebuilt O-line that’s been absolutely flawless. 

On his podcast See Ball Get Ball, Pollack cut straight to the core of the debate, saying, “You guys are the reigning champs. You guys have the belt. …Who’s been more dominant is a different question.” And he has got a very valid point. Miami has been lurking at No. 2 in the AP Poll after Week 6. But the Hurricanes fans have every right to demand that No. 1 position since they absolutely demolished FSU in a rivalry game. While Julian Sayin’s been protected by that stellar offensive line and posting video-game numbers, Miami’s been out there grinding through a schedule that actually tests them week in and week out.

Pollack didn’t mince words as he continued, “Ohio State fans, …I’m going to tell you about some stuff that’s really good about your team, but the number one team in the country is Miami. Their schedule has been way harder.” And he’s got a point that AP Poll voters seemingly have ignored for a few weeks now. Miami opened with a rivalry win over Notre Dame, then bulldozed through USF, Florida, and FSU, finishing off all their in-state rivals for the season. Meanwhile, Ryan Day’s squad has feasted on Grambling State, Ohio, and Minnesota, with only wins over Texas and Washington really moving the needle. Sure, that offensive line has kept Sayin clean and upright, but it’s a lot easier to dominate when the competition isn’t exactly murderer’s row.