Ohio State’s 2025 O-line held up through most of the regular season, but during big games like the Big Ten Championship and the CFP run, cracks showed. Now, with Arthur Smith handling OC duties, change is coming, and there’s a growing belief that former Minnesota transfer RT Phillip Daniels, who started for Ryan Day last season, might have his starting spot challenged. 

RT Ian Moore has been pushing relentlessly this spring. And per Land-Grant Holy Land’s Michael Citro, Phillip Daniels is “vulnerable” to losing his starting spot to the redshirt sophomore after how 2025 ended. 

“Ian Moore mostly held his own in relief of an injured Austin Siereveld in the Miami game (all things considered), and many expect Moore to push for playing time,” he wrote. “It’s just not clear where that playing time will take place. Moore and Daniels may battle it out for the starting right tackle spot. Will whoever loses that battle simply slide inside? It’s hard to say.”

Even if Ian Moore wins the right tackle job, nobody’s exactly losing. Ohio State has options, but they’re not infinite. Gabe VanSickle and Joshua Padilla are battling it out at right guard, so there’s a chance that Phillip Daniels could slide inside or Moore could rotate. And that uncertainty is what makes this battle a must-watch.

There’s another interesting scenario that could open up for Ian Moore. The RT job might not even be his most intriguing path to playing time because he could potentially find snaps at left tackle, the premium blindside that protects QB Julian Sayin. But well, Austin Siereveld is still the expected guy there, and for good reason. His 2025 tape showed his versatility and athleticism, but he’s also a natural guard.

One of the biggest red flags from 2025 came from the right guard position. It was a weekly headache as Tegra Tshabola couldn’t lock it down, and the rotation didn’t fix it. Now, VanSickle and Padilla step into that spotlight with expectations, but neither has claimed the job. And in Arthur Smith’s offense, that’s a problem because this scheme exposes interior weakness. If the guards can’t move people in the run game or hold up in pass protection, the entire structure collapses.

So when you start mixing positional flexibility with a rising player like Ian Moore, doors open up. If Siereveld shifts or even rotates to guard, Ian Moore could sneak into one of the most valuable roles on the field. And that’s how a redshirt sophomore who was just “pushing for reps” could get national exposure and early interest from NFL scouts. And while the right side sorts itself out, the left side might quietly determine the ceiling.

Ohio State’s reliable left side needs a leap, too

LT Luke Montgomery, part of the second-team All-Big Ten in 2025, is already reliable. He is tough and physical, exactly what you want in a guard. The only thing left to prove is if he can go from dependable to dominant because Ohio State needs him to change games. Next to him, Carson Hinzman returns at center with veteran presence and positional flexibility. 

Then there’s Siereveld, still the likely answer at left tackle. Put it all together, and you’ve got the outline of a strong unit. There’s still a challenge facing O-line coaches Tyler Bowen and Mateo Kambui. And that’s to find five guys who not only win their individual battles but function as one and keep Julian Sayin upright while opening lanes for the run game. But it’s easier said than done. 

And somewhere in the middle of it all stands Ian Moore, who might not just be fighting for a job, but redefining the entire conversation. If he breaks through, it will change the depth chart. But it’ll also be a signal that Ohio State’s O-line is forcing the issue.