Ohio State Loses Key Offensive Piece for Season Ahead of Critical Game vs. Indiana

The Buckeyes will be down an important contributor for the rest of 2024.

Ohio State hosts Indiana this Saturday. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With two weeks to go before conference-championship weekend, Ohio State remains firmly in the College Football Playoff race.

However, if the No. 2 Buckeyes want to win their first national title since 2014, they'll have to do it without their star center.

Ohio State center Seth McLaughli injured his Achilles during practice on Tuesday and is likely out for the season per a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. The Buckeyes are scheduled to play No. 5 Indiana at home on Saturday.

McLaughlin—a native of Buford, Ga.—transferred from Alabama to Ohio State after the 2023 season, and has rebounded nicely after a sour ending with the Crimson Tide. His protection has helped the Buckeyes rank in the top 40 in both passing and rushing offense.

After meeting the Hoosiers, Ohio State is scheduled to play rival Michigan before a potential Big Ten championship rematch with No. 1 Oregon—a team that beat the Buckeyes 32–31 on Oct. 12.

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