Ohio State has lost one of its top offensive linemen as it heads into the season's final weeks.
Starting center Seth McLaughlin ruptured his Achilles tendon in practice Tuesday and will miss the rest of the season, coach Ryan Day confirmed to reporters Wednesday.
At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, McLaughlin, an Alabama transfer, has been a key figure in a Buckeyes offense that is second in the Big Ten in points per game and third in rushing yards per game.
ESPN insider Mel Kiper Jr. rated McLaughlin, a senior, as the eighth-best center among prospects for the 2025 draft.
The Buckeyes (9-1), who remained at No. 2 in the latest CFP rankings that were released Tuesday, face No. 5 Indiana (10-0) on Saturday.
Carson Hinzman, who started at center throughout the 2023 season, is set to start there against the Hoosiers, according to Day, who added that Austin Siereveld will step into Hinzman's spot at left guard.