Ohio State has made another additional through the transfer portal, picking up a commitment on Saturday from former Alabama center Seth McLaughlin (6-4, 305).
McLaughlin has started 25 games for the Crimson Tide over the last three seasons, and will have one season of eligibility remaining for the Buckeyes. He started all 14 games this season for Alabama, including the Crimson Tide’s loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff in which he delivered several poor snaps to quarterback Jalen Milroe, including the final play of the game where Alabama was stopped on fourth-and-goal.
While McLaughlin has started at center for Alabama, he could shift over to guard once he arrives in Columbus. The Buckeyes will at least be looking to replace right guard Matthew Jones, who has exhausted his eligibility, and still await a decision from left guard Donovan Jackson as to whether or not he will enter the draft.
The Buckeyes could look to keep McLaughlin at center, though, considering that Carson Hinzman was benched ahead of the Cotton Bowl, potentially setting up an open competition in the middle of the offensive line.
McLaughlin – a former three-star recruit in 2020 out of Buford, Ga. – is the third transfer addition for Ohio State, joining former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard and former Ohio University tight end Will Kacmarek.