Tyler Bowen was impressed by Luke Montgomery’s physicality during spring, and the junior may soon be ready to take the lead on the Ohio State offensive line.

The 2025 Ohio State football program is in a state of flux along the offensive line, but if one thing was clear this spring, it was the noticeable presence of junior offensive lineman Luke Montgomery. Offensive line coach Tyler Bowen didn’t hold back when discussing Montgomery’s progression during spring practice — and for good reason. Montgomery’s physicality, work ethic, and quiet leadership have quickly propelled him to the forefront of the Buckeyes’ offensive line rotation, and it may not be long before he’s the stabilizing force this group so badly needs.

Montgomery, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound junior from Findlay, Ohio, arrived in Columbus with a lot of hype. A top-100 national recruit and one of the top offensive linemen in the 2023 recruiting class, Montgomery chose the Buckeyes over offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, and others. His versatility and nasty edge were evident on his high school tape, and it didn’t take long for him to find his footing in the college game.

But in a program like Ohio State’s — where the standard for the offensive line is nothing less than Big Ten and national title contention — Montgomery’s early seasons have been more about development than dominance. He saw spot action as a freshman and played a reserve role last season, showing flashes of his potential but never quite breaking through the veteran-heavy rotation. That’s changing in 2025.

New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, who joined the Buckeyes from Virginia Tech this offseason, was tasked with retooling a unit that struggled with consistency in 2024. Bowen wasted no time evaluating his group, and Montgomery immediately stood out. After a physical spring practice session, Bowen’s comments about Montgomery painted the picture of a young player who’s not only making the leap physically but also embracing the mental challenges of the position.

“I’ve been really impressed with Luke’s physicality,” Bowen said. “He’s got that natural ability to move people off the line of scrimmage, and he’s not afraid to mix it up. You can see he’s put in the work in the weight room, but he’s also just a football junkie. He loves the game, and he wants to be great.”

Bowen emphasized that Montgomery’s edge sets him apart. “There’s a level of violence to his game that you don’t always see in guys his age,” Bowen added. “He’s going to finish plays, he’s going to compete every rep, and that’s the kind of tone-setter you need in your offensive line.”

Montgomery’s natural strength has never been in doubt. At Findlay High School, he routinely overpowered defensive linemen with his raw power and impressive footwork. That same power has carried over to Columbus, but Montgomery knows that playing in the Big Ten trenches requires more than just brute strength.

“You’ve got to play with great leverage and technique,” Montgomery said during spring availability. “Coach Bowen has really helped me with my hand placement and footwork. I’ve always been a physical player, but now it’s about refining those tools and being more consistent snap to snap.”

Montgomery’s progression has been clear to those around the program. His punch at the point of attack has become more controlled, and he’s better at using his length to steer defenders away from the quarterback. That’s been particularly important as Ohio State transitions to a more balanced offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who wants to establish the run and use play-action to keep defenses honest.

One of the things that makes Montgomery such an intriguing piece for Bowen and the Buckeyes is his versatility. During spring ball, Montgomery spent time at both guard and tackle, with the staff evaluating where he can help the team most. His background as a tackle in high school gives him the athleticism to handle edge rushers, but his compact frame and powerful lower half also make him a natural fit at guard.

“Luke’s a guy who can play multiple spots,” Bowen said. “We love that flexibility. Right now, we’re just trying to find the best five, and Luke’s definitely in that mix.”

For Montgomery, it’s all about doing whatever the team needs. “I’m comfortable at either spot,” he said. “I just want to be on the field and help the team win. If that’s at guard or tackle, I’m good with it.”

Ohio State’s offensive line underwent a significant transition this offseason, with several veteran starters moving on to the NFL or graduation. That’s left a leadership vacuum that Bowen wants to see filled quickly — and Montgomery is among the younger players stepping up.

While he’s not the loudest voice in the room, Montgomery’s consistent effort and physical play have earned him the respect of his teammates. Junior quarterback Devin Brown noted that Montgomery has become a “reliable presence” during practice. “Luke just comes to work every day,” Brown said. “He doesn’t say a lot, but he’s always locked in. You can tell he’s hungry to be great.”

Bowen sees leadership as more than just talking — it’s about setting the tone with how you practice and how you compete. “Luke’s physicality is contagious,” Bowen said. “He’s the kind of guy who can raise the standard for everyone else. That’s what we need.”

For Montgomery, the biggest leap this spring wasn’t just physical — it was mental. He’s embraced a new mindset of playing with controlled aggression, trusting his technique, and maintaining confidence in tough situations.

“Coach Bowen talks a lot about not flinching when things get hard,” Montgomery said. “That’s been huge for me. I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder, but now it’s about channeling that in the right way. I feel like I’m seeing the game slower, and that’s letting me play faster.”

Bowen’s approach has been to simplify the game for his young linemen. Instead of overloading them with complex concepts, he’s focused on fundamentals — pad level, hand placement, and footwork. “We want to play fast and physical,” Bowen said. “When you’re confident in your technique, you can just go play. Luke’s buying into that.”

Montgomery’s emergence hasn’t gone unnoticed in the locker room. Senior center Carson Hinzman, who’s become a steady presence in the middle of the line, said that Montgomery’s physicality has given the unit an identity.

“He’s one of those guys who’s just naturally strong,” Hinzman said. “But it’s more than that. He’s bringing that attitude that we want — we’re going to run the ball, and we’re going to be the more physical team. Luke’s setting that tone.”

That tone has been critical as Ohio State tries to move past the struggles of last season’s offensive line. In 2024, the Buckeyes’ rushing attack was inconsistent at times, and they gave up too many negative plays. Montgomery’s growth could be the key to fixing those issues.

As spring wrapped up with the annual Spring Game, Montgomery was in the thick of the competition for a starting job. While the final depth chart won’t be set until fall camp, all signs point to Montgomery being a major factor — if not a full-fledged starter — when Ohio State opens the 2025 season.

Bowen wasn’t ready to name starters coming out of spring, but he made it clear that Montgomery is “absolutely in the mix.” For Montgomery, that’s all the motivation he needs.

“I know I’ve still got to earn it every day,” Montgomery said. “Nothing’s given here. But I feel like I’ve taken a big step, and I’m going to keep grinding.”

If Montgomery can seize a starting role, his physicality will give Ohio State’s offense a different feel in 2025. New offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s scheme puts a premium on downhill running and play-action, and having a tone-setting lineman like Montgomery will be critical in those efforts.

“Coach O’Brien wants to be balanced,” Bowen said. “To do that, you need guys up front who can move people. Luke’s that kind of guy.”

It’s a style that fits Montgomery’s mindset perfectly. “I love run blocking,” he said. “You’re taking the fight to the defense, and that’s where I’m most comfortable. If we can establish the run, everything else opens up.”

While spring ball was an important step, Bowen and Montgomery both know the real test comes in fall camp. That’s when the battles for playing time will truly be decided, and Montgomery will have to prove that his physicality and improved technique translate to game situations.

For Montgomery, the next few months will be about fine-tuning his game. He plans to stay in Columbus for most of the summer, working with the strength staff and getting extra reps wherever he can. “I’m going to do everything I can to be ready,” he said. “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface.”

Montgomery’s rise isn’t just good news for him — it’s a critical development for an Ohio State team that has championship aspirations. In the Big Ten, where games are often decided in the trenches, having a physically dominant guard or tackle like Montgomery can make the difference.

Bowen summed it up best: “If you’re going to be the best, you’ve got to have guys up front who play with that edge. Luke’s showing he’s got it, and that’s exciting for us.”

For a program that’s seen offensive line struggles in the past, the thought of Montgomery anchoring the unit is a welcome one. He may not be a finished product yet, but he’s already turning heads — and he may soon be ready to lead.

Ohio State’s offensive line will be one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season. With a new offensive coordinator, a revamped scheme, and a renewed commitment to physical football, the Buckeyes know that their success starts up front.

For Luke Montgomery, the challenge is clear: keep building on the momentum he created this spring, stay healthy, and continue to embrace the mindset that’s earned him Bowen’s praise. If he does, there’s no telling how high his ceiling might be — or how much he could help push Ohio State back to the top of the college football world.

As Bowen put it, “Luke’s physicality is just the beginning. When you add that to his work ethic and mindset, you’ve got a guy who can be special. And he’s just getting started.”