The primary beneficiary of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement in January was Ohio State, which successfully recruited three players from the Crimson Tide through the transfer portal. While safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin have garnered much of the attention, center Seth McLaughlin is set to make an immediate impact on the Ohio State offensive line this season.
Before joining Alabama, McLaughlin grew up and played high school football in Buford, Georgia. He emerged as a four-star recruit and took over the offensive line position previously held by Harry Miller, who graduated and went on to play at Ohio State from 2019 to 2021. McLaughlin was part of Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class but saw limited action during his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.
He was thrust into a starting role late in the 2021 season, making his debut in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, which Alabama won to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following a strong performance against the Bulldogs, McLaughlin started in the CFP semifinal victory over Cincinnati and also played in the championship game rematch against Georgia.
Despite his solid performance in three starts at center during the 2021 season, McLaughlin found himself behind Darrian Dalcourt on Alabama’s depth chart heading into 2022. However, he eventually reclaimed the starting center position as Dalcourt dealt with injuries. By the end of a season that saw Alabama narrowly lose to Tennessee and LSU, McLaughlin had started eight games.
In contrast to the previous season, McLaughlin’s role was clearly defined in 2023, as Dalcourt transitioned to guard, allowing McLaughlin to take over as the starting center. He went on to start 13 games for a Crimson Tide team that made it into the College Football Playoff after defeating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, ending the Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak.
Unfortunately for McLaughlin and Alabama, they lost to Michigan in overtime in the Rose Bowl, where he struggled with several errant snaps, including one on the final play of the game.
Two days after the loss to Michigan, Seth McLaughlin entered the transfer portal. Just three days later, he decided that Ohio State was the right fit for him.
This move is beneficial for both parties. McLaughlin sought to play for a prestigious program like Alabama that contends for national titles, and Ohio State needed an experienced center due to uncertainties at that position after Carson Hinzman did not play in the Cotton Bowl.
The decision to add McLaughlin became even more strategic when Ohio State hired Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. O’Brien had previously worked with McLaughlin on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama, giving him familiarity with the player. However, O’Brien’s tenure in Columbus was brief, as he accepted the head coaching position at Boston College shortly after joining Ohio State.
Despite O’Brien’s departure, Ohio State upgraded its offensive coordinator by bringing in Chip Kelly, the former UCLA head coach and mentor to Ryan Day.
Although McLaughlin has played in 35 games and started 24 over the past three seasons, some Ohio State fans may still have concerns due to his errant snaps against Michigan. However, McLaughlin is not overly worried and is feeling more at ease with the Ohio State offense, which features a different cadence and signaling system.
At Alabama, Jalen Milroe and the team used a clap to signal for the snap, while Ohio State plans to implement a verbal cadence, which McLaughlin finds more comfortable.
While other incoming transfers may attract more attention than McLaughlin, his role will be crucial to Ohio State’s success this year. The Buckeyes need him to overcome the inconsistent snapping issues he faced last season, and a change in environment may help facilitate that improvement.
With significant big-game experience, McLaughlin is expected to integrate well into a Buckeye team that is aiming for a national title this year.
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