Ohio State Defensive End Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Praises Offensive Line's 'Night and Day' Improvement Ahead of Iowa Clash

Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. sees a completely different offensive line this offseason, and that's good news for the Buckeyes as they prepare for a brutal schedule that includes a trip to Iowa City.

Speaking with the Big Ten Network after practice on Aug. 20, Jackson credited the unit's growth and physicality, saying the group looks nothing like the one that struggled down the stretch in 2025.

It's like night and day. I believe last year was their first year together, and now they are older and more mature.

What went wrong for the Buckeyes offensive line in 2025?

The offensive line was a major concern entering the 2026 season after Ohio State's 12-0 start ended in back-to-back losses. Indiana and Miami combined for 10 sacks in the Big Ten Championship Game and College Football Playoff, exposing weaknesses up front.

During the regular season, the unit allowed just six sacks and helped the Buckeyes field a top-30 scoring offense. But the late-season collapse against elite defensive fronts raised questions about whether the group could handle top-tier competition.

Why does Jackson's assessment matter?

As a returning defensive end who faces the offensive line daily in practice, Jackson offers a unique perspective on the unit's development. He specifically praised the group's increased aggression and credited the coaching staff for the turnaround.

They're more aggressive. I don't know what Coach Bowen and Coach Day are doing in the o-line room, but it's working.

Who returns on the offensive line for Ohio State?

The Buckeyes bring back four of five starters from last season, providing valuable continuity. Junior Ian Moore steps in at left tackle after earning praise throughout training camp.

Returners Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery have already received national recognition. On3 named both preseason All-Americans, with Montgomery earning second-team honors and Siereveld landing on the third team.

How does the new offensive scheme impact the line?

New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith brings a run-first approach that differs significantly from Ohio State's recent air raid style. The Buckeyes will lean on the ground game to create passing opportunities, making offensive line performance even more critical.

Physicality at the line of scrimmage may be more important this season than any other under head coach Ryan Day. The schedule features some of the nation's toughest defensive units in Texas, Iowa, Oregon, and Indiana.

What does this mean for the Iowa matchup?

The Hawkeyes have long built their identity on defensive line dominance, and this year's matchup in Iowa City will test whether Ohio State's improvements are real. Iowa fans will be watching closely to see if the Buckeyes' front five can hold up against a physical Big Ten defense.

If Jackson's assessment holds true, Ohio State's offensive line could be one of the best in the country. That caliber of play will be necessary to avoid a repeat of the struggles that ended the 2025 season.