Ohio State Football Dealing with Multiple Injuries During Spring Practice

Returning starters at offensive tackle among those sidelined as Buckeyes prepare for 2026 season

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:49pm

Ohio State football is facing a number of injuries to key players during spring practice, including starting offensive tackles Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels. Other Buckeyes sidelined include running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, tight end Bennett Christian, and linebacker Riley Pettijohn. The injuries are not expected to have long-term impacts, but they are testing the depth of the roster as Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Injuries during spring practice can be concerning for college football teams, as they limit the ability to evaluate talent, install new schemes, and build chemistry ahead of the upcoming season. Ohio State is one of the top programs in the country, so any significant injuries to starters or key contributors could impact their chances of competing for a national championship in 2026.

The details

According to the report, left tackle Austin Siereveld and right tackle Phillip Daniels did not practice on Saturday due to minor procedures they are recovering from. It's unclear if they will be able to return before the end of spring practice on April 18. In their absence, junior Ian Moore took first-team reps at left tackle, while sophomore Carter Lowe was at right tackle. The interior of the offensive line featured Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Gabe VanSickle.

  • Ohio State's spring practice runs from March to April, with the final practice scheduled for April 18, 2026.
  • The team's season-ending loss to Miami occurred at the end of the 2025 season.

The players

Austin Siereveld

Ohio State's starting left tackle who is recovering from a minor procedure and may not return before the end of spring practice.

Phillip Daniels

Ohio State's starting right tackle who is also recovering from a minor procedure and may not return before the end of spring practice.

Ian Moore

Junior offensive lineman who took first-team reps at left tackle in Siereveld's absence.

Carter Lowe

Sophomore offensive lineman who took first-team reps at right tackle in Daniels' absence.

Ryan Day

Ohio State's head football coach.

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What they’re saying

“There are doubts regarding a potential return to the field before the spring slate ends on April 18, but the injuries aren't expected to have long-term ramifications.”

— Source

What’s next

Ohio State will continue to monitor the progress of the injured players and hope to have them back on the field before the end of spring practice on April 18. The team will then turn its focus to preparing for the 2026 season, which kicks off in the fall.

The takeaway

Injuries are always a concern during spring practice, but Ohio State appears to be handling the current situation well. The Buckeyes have depth on the offensive line and are optimistic that the injured players will be able to return without any long-term issues. As one of the top programs in the country, Ohio State will need to keep its key contributors healthy if it hopes to compete for a national championship in 2026.