Carson Hinzman, a seasoned offensive lineman for Ohio State, has decided to return for his fifth season. Buckeyes fans are thrilled.
He could’ve joined the NFL Draft with his classmates, but Hinzman chose to stay put. There’s a sense of unfinished business and, honestly, he just can’t shake his connection to the Buckeye Brotherhood.
This move lands at a pretty interesting time, since Ohio State is seeing a wave of new players. There’s also a renewed urgency around getting ready for the season ahead.
The Journey of Carson Hinzman
When Hinzman looks around the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, he doesn’t see many old friends. Only three guys remain from the 2022 recruiting class—him, defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and tight end Bennett Christian.
He jokes about being one of the “old men” on the squad, but honestly, he’s earned it. Hinzman has made a real impact on Ohio State football.
Early Years and Redshirt Season
He started out with a redshirt year in 2022. That season set him up for what came next.
After Luke Wypler unexpectedly headed to the NFL, Hinzman grabbed the starting center job. He didn’t waste time, starting in 35 of the 40 games he played for the Buckeyes.
Championship and All-American Honors
By his second season, Hinzman helped lead Ohio State to a national championship. That run really put him on the map.
He picked up first-team All-American honors, which is no small feat. The ride wasn’t all smooth, though—the loss to Michigan in 2023 stung and knocked the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship Game.
Overcoming Adversity
Things got complicated for Hinzman after a controversial podcast appearance. He ended up benched during the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, and you could feel the uncertainty in the air.
Then Ohio State recruited Seth McLaughlin from Alabama, which only made things trickier. But Hinzman didn’t fold—he adapted to new roles and stayed in the mix.
Adapting and Thriving
Halfway through the 2024 season, left tackle Josh Simmons went down with a season-ending injury. That forced the offensive line to shuffle.
Hinzman slid over to left guard, then moved back to center for the last games. His flexibility and experience were huge, and he ended up starting all of 2025—honestly, he became one of the most seasoned linemen in college football.
Leadership and Mentorship
Now that he’s coming back for a fifth year, Hinzman brings more than just snaps. He’s got leadership, and that’s not something you can teach overnight.
With 51 new faces on the roster this spring, his job as a mentor matters. He gets how important it is to keep Ohio State’s standards high, and he’s determined to make sure the new guys buy in.
The Decision to Return
Why did Hinzman come back? It’s a mix of things, really. Sure, he loves the team and the brotherhood, but he also sees room to grow.
Sticking with Ohio State gives him a shot to polish his skills and maybe boost his draft stock. He’d like to leave a real mark here before heading to the next level.
Personal Growth and Improvement
Hinzman is zeroed in on getting better—footwork, core strength, driving through blocks, you name it. He’s not just going through the motions at practice.
That work ethic rubs off on his teammates, too. It’s not all about him; he’s setting the bar for everyone around him.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 college football season on the horizon, Hinzman gives Ohio State a steady hand on the offensive line. He knows it’s going to be a challenge to bring all the new players together, but that’s the job.
His sights are set on another national championship. If all goes well, he’ll leave Ohio State on a high note and take his shot at the NFL.
Conclusion
Carson Hinzman’s coming back to Ohio State for a fifth season says a lot about his grit and loyalty. He’s clearly got a soft spot for the Buckeye Brotherhood.
His story’s been a mix of highs and lows, shaping him into a leader—on the field and off. There’s something admirable about sticking with it through tough times, isn’t there?
With the Buckeyes looking ahead to the 2026 season, Hinzman’s presence could make a real difference. If you want more on his journey or Ohio State football in general, you can always check out the full article at 247Sports.
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