Ohio State OL Luke Montgomery Focused on Earning a Starting Job

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Montgomery says his main priority this offseason it to earn a starting spot, whether it be at guard or tackle.

It's starter or bust for Luke Montgomery.

The Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman told reporters his main focus for the coming season is to be in the starting lineup. Montgomery said he is willing to play at guard, tackle or some of both if it means he is on the Buckeyes' primary lineup.

"Whatever gets me on the field the fastest, I couldn't care less," Montgomery said. "I know I have the tangibles to play all five (positions), and that's a blessing as well. I'm just going to use that to the best of my ability to see where I can play."

Montgomery played sparing minutes as a freshman last year but learned a lot over that time. Now, the Ohio State rising sophomore says he is ready to play a larger role on the team after leaning on some of the older guys at his position for advice and guidance.

"Freshman year, you don't know until you know, you know what I'm saying," Montgomery said. "So I learned a lot from the first year just being behind this guy Donovan (Jackson) out here and (Josh) Fryar and those guys."

Some of the largest gaps the Buckeyes have to fill in their starting lineup are on the right side of the offensive line. These holes came about following the departure of linemen like Matthew Jones (who declared for the 2024 NFL Draft) and Jakob James (now a member of the Toledo Rockets via the transfer portal).

The opportunities are certainly there for Montgomery to achieve his goal. All that is left now is for him to impress head coach Ryan Day, offensive line coach Justin Frye and the rest of the staff over spring and summer practices.