Ohio State’s 2025 O-line has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the regular season. Led by head coach Ryan Day, this young and talented offensive line has paved the way for the Buckeyes’ success on the field. However, as the team heads into the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff, there are concerns about the O-line’s ability to hold up against tougher opponents. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith at the helm, changes are on the horizon and one player in particular may find his starting spot in jeopardy.
Phillip Daniels, a redshirt sophomore and former transfer from Minnesota, has been a key player on the O-line for the past two seasons. He was brought in by Day to add depth and experience to the unit, and he has certainly delivered. Daniels has started every game for the Buckeyes since his arrival and has been a reliable presence on the right side of the line. However, with the recent struggles of the O-line in big games, there is growing speculation that Daniels’ starting spot may be in danger.
The Buckeyes’ O-line has been dominant in most games this season, but when facing tougher opponents like Wisconsin and Penn State, cracks have started to show. In the Big Ten Championship game against Wisconsin, the O-line struggled to protect quarterback Justin Fields, resulting in multiple sacks and a less than stellar performance from the offense. And in the College Football Playoff against Clemson, the O-line was unable to establish a strong running game, putting more pressure on Fields to make plays through the air.
These struggles have raised questions about the O-line’s ability to perform in big games and have led to speculation about potential changes in the lineup. With Arthur Smith now in charge of the offense, there is a growing belief that he may look to shake things up and give other players a chance to prove themselves. And one player who could benefit from this is none other than Phillip Daniels.
Despite his solid performance over the past two seasons, Daniels has not been immune to criticism. Some have questioned his ability to handle the pressure of big games and have pointed out his occasional lapses in pass protection. With Smith looking to make changes and improve the O-line’s performance, Daniels may find himself in a competition for his starting spot.
One player who could challenge Daniels for the starting role is redshirt freshman Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson was a highly touted recruit and has shown flashes of his potential in limited playing time this season. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a dominant force on the O-line and could be a valuable addition to the starting lineup.
Another player to keep an eye on is true freshman Donovan Jackson. Jackson was also a highly rated recruit and has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic and talent. He has been praised for his technique and football IQ, and could be a dark horse candidate to earn a starting spot on the O-line.
While it may be too early to say for sure, it is clear that the competition for starting spots on the O-line will be fierce heading into next season. With Arthur Smith bringing a new perspective and approach to the offense, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation among the players. They know that changes are coming and they are ready to embrace them in order to take their game to the next level.
As for Phillip Daniels, he will have to work hard to prove himself and hold onto his starting spot. But regardless of the outcome, he has been a valuable member of the Ohio State football team and has contributed to their success on the field. Whether he remains a starter or not, his experience and leadership will be crucial for the development of the younger players on the O-line.
In the end, change is inevitable in the world of college football. And for Ohio State’s O-line, change may be just what they need to take their game to the next level. With a talented group of players and a new offensive coordinator at the helm, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their dominance on the field and make a run for the national championship. And no matter who ends up starting on the O-line, one thing is for sure – they will be ready to rise to the challenge and prove themselves as one of the best units in the country.
