Ohio State received a significant boost for next season, as guard Matthew Jones announced Wednesday that he will be returning for a sixth season with the Buckeyes.
After biding his time in a backup role during his first four seasons at Ohio State, Jones started all but one game this past season for the Buckeyes at right guard, helping anchor an offensive line that led Ohio State to one becoming of the nation’s top offenses.
This will be the last season of eligibility for the former four-star prospect out of Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn, N.Y. Prior to 2022, he started three games in 2020 and two games in 2021, and has appeared in 41 overall games for the Buckeyes.
Jones’ return is a significant one for Ohio State, who is set to lose both starting offensive tackles in Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, as well center Luke Wypler, who announced Tuesday that he is entering his name into the 2023 NFL Draft. Barring any further surprises, this leaves Ohio State with three starters that will need replaced on the offensive line.