“Luke Montgomery Embraces First Offseason as Ohio State Starter — ‘We’re a Super Close Unit’ and He’s Loving Every Minute of It

Luke Montgomery is stepping into a spotlight that every young Buckeye dreams of, and from everything he’s saying and showing, he’s embracing it with maturity, intensity, and optimism. As the Ohio State offensive lineman enters his first full offseason as a projected starter, there’s a tangible sense that he’s not only growing into the role physically and mentally, but also emotionally. This isn’t just another player stepping into a starting role—it’s the story of a young man evolving into a foundational leader on a team with national championship aspirations. And to hear Montgomery tell it, he’s doing it as part of a “super close unit” that could quietly be the engine driving the Buckeyes to something special in 2025.

Montgomery’s words reflect the kind of confidence that can only come from hours of grueling workouts, film study, and shared sacrifice with his brothers on the offensive line. The fact that he’s starting to sound like a veteran, despite being just a sophomore, is a sign that Ohio State’s coaching staff and development pipeline are continuing to churn out elite-level talent and character. He’s not just excited about his opportunity—he’s excited about what the entire offensive line is building together.

When asked about how it feels to finally enter the offseason as a starter, Montgomery didn’t hesitate to express both pride and gratitude. “It feels great, honestly,” he said. “It’s something I’ve worked toward since the minute I got to Columbus. But what makes it even better is the guys around me. We’ve grown a lot closer, and I think we’re a super close unit. That bond makes everything easier—on the field and off.”

Those words carry weight at a place like Ohio State. The program doesn’t just look for athleticism and five-star ratings; it prioritizes character, accountability, and a commitment to the brotherhood that defines the Buckeye culture. For Montgomery, that culture is exactly what’s helping him thrive. As one of the young faces on a reloading offensive line, he’s leaning into the guidance of his older teammates while also starting to offer leadership of his own.

The Buckeyes’ offensive line has undergone some transition over the past year, with key departures to the NFL and a heavy emphasis on developing homegrown talent. Montgomery, a native of Findlay, Ohio, has embraced the challenge with a work ethic that’s earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. During his freshman season, he saw the field in a rotational capacity, but this offseason he’s taken the leap—both in physical development and understanding of the scheme.

Montgomery’s versatility is one of his most valuable assets. A natural tackle who has also shown the ability to shift inside when needed, he offers the kind of flexibility that coaches dream about. But what separates him from the pack is his mindset. He’s relentlessly focused on improvement, and he brings an infectious energy to the weight room and practice field that raises the level of everyone around him. His conversations with offensive line coach Justin Frye are no longer about just surviving practice reps—they’re about mastering technique, recognizing defensive schemes, and commanding the huddle.

“It’s different now,” Montgomery said. “You feel that responsibility—not in a pressure way, but in a way that makes you want to be better every day. You don’t just want to hold your own anymore. You want to dominate. And when you’ve got teammates pushing you and coaches investing in you, it makes a huge difference.”

That team-first attitude is reflected in everything Montgomery says and does. Whether it’s staying late after practice to review film with the quarterbacks or getting extra lifts in with fellow linemen, he’s doing the little things that set the tone for the whole group. His approach has caught the attention of players like Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, who’ve both taken on mentorship roles for Montgomery while still striving to be anchors themselves.

“Luke’s like a sponge,” Jackson said. “He wants to learn, he asks questions, and he’s not afraid to get in someone’s face if the effort isn’t there. That’s rare for a young guy, and it’s why we trust him.”

Trust is a massive currency in the world of college football, especially in the trenches. When quarterbacks drop back and running backs hit the hole, they’re putting their bodies in the hands of linemen like Montgomery. For him, earning that trust has meant more than just executing blocks—it’s meant forming real relationships off the field. From group dinners to Madden tournaments to early-morning conditioning sessions, Montgomery and his linemates have made a conscious effort to build chemistry that will translate into cohesion when the lights come on in September.

That chemistry is already showing up in practice. Reports from team workouts indicate that the offensive line is showing signs of becoming one of the more physically dominant units in the Big Ten. And while the Buckeyes are still months away from kickoff, there’s growing optimism that the offensive line could be a strength instead of a question mark.

Montgomery credits much of that progress to the leadership of strength coach Mickey Marotti and the consistency of Coach Frye. “Coach Mick pushes us in a way that forces us to find another gear,” Montgomery said. “He doesn’t just want strong players. He wants mentally tough players, guys who won’t fold when it gets hard. That’s what we’re building right now. And Coach Frye—he’s been awesome with the details. He holds us accountable, and he’s not afraid to be real with us. That honesty builds trust.”

It’s no coincidence that Montgomery’s voice is starting to echo the same themes that have long defined great Ohio State linemen. Grit. Brotherhood. Discipline. Sacrifice. He’s stepping into a long lineage of Buckeye greats, and he’s doing it with the kind of quiet confidence that suggests he knows exactly what’s at stake.

Of course, there are still challenges ahead. The Buckeyes have a brutal schedule, including the much-hyped showdown with Texas early in the season. That game, which will be played under the national spotlight, could set the tone for the entire year. Montgomery and his unit know they’ll need to be at their best—not just technically, but mentally. One blown assignment can derail a drive. One missed block can flip a game. But Montgomery isn’t dwelling on those stakes. He’s focused on the day-to-day grind, the reps in the weight room, the hours of film study, and the conversations with teammates that are building something special.

“We don’t want to be just good—we want to be great,” he said. “And that starts with accountability. Every guy on that line knows what’s expected. We challenge each other, and we lift each other up. That’s what makes this group different.”

Those words—challenge and uplift—are emblematic of the broader culture that head coach Ryan Day is trying to foster in Columbus. For Day, players like Montgomery are invaluable because they combine talent with humility and a relentless drive to improve. In many ways, Montgomery represents the future of the program. He’s young, coachable, and fiercely loyal to his teammates. And if the early returns are any indication, that future looks incredibly bright.

The offseason is a time of questions in college football. Who will step up? Who will lead? Who will embrace the grind? For Ohio State, Luke Montgomery is answering all of those questions with action, not just words. He’s lifting the standard for the offensive line, and in doing so, he’s helping lift the ceiling for the entire team.

As September approaches and the competition intensifies, there will be scrutiny. There will be adversity. But there will also be opportunity. For Montgomery, that opportunity is the culmination of everything he’s worked for. And judging by how he talks about his team, his coaches, and his role, there’s no doubt he’s ready to make the most of it.

“I love this team,” he said. “I love the work we’re putting in. And I love where we’re headed. We’ve got something special here—and we’re going to keep proving it one day at a time.”

Those aren’t just the words of a rising sophomore—they’re the words of a leader. And if the Buckeyes are going to reach their full potential in 2025, Luke Montgomery will be right in the heart of it, pushing, grinding, and believing in the bond that’s turning Ohio State’s offensive line into something far more powerful than just a group of blockers. They’re becoming a brotherhood—and Luke Montgomery is proud to be one of its cornerstones.