Three Ohio State players named to Outland Trophy preseason watch list

The Football Writers Association of America has unveiled the 2026 Outland Trophy preseason watch list, and Ohio State is represented by three players. The Outland Trophy, introduced in 1946, recognizes the top college football interior lineman. Three Buckeyes - Austin Siereveld, Carson Hinzman, and Luke Montgomery - have been named to the watch list alongside other talented linemen.

Siereveld, a two-year starter who played a crucial role in Ohio State's 2025 College Football Playoff national championship run, is entering his redshirt junior season and is considered the best Ohio State lineman last season. He may occasionally be moved to another position to ensure the best five players are on the field together.

Hinzman, in his fifth year, started as center in 2023, moved to guard in 2024, and then returned as the starting center for the national championship run after losing Seth McGlaughlin to injury. He was an AFCA First Team All-American and Third Team All-Big Ten last season. Montgomery, who also shined during the 2024 national championship run, started the final two games and started all 14 games last season on the interior.

He is expected to be another All-Big Ten performer and enters his junior season with 16 starts on the offensive line across 28 total games. Ohio State has taken home the Outland Trophy four times, with the last winner being Orlando Pace in 1996. The next announcement of the Outland Trophy will be made during ESPN's Home Depot College Awards Show on December 11.