Let me start this article by saying that I normally don’t write about rumors. Rumors are just that…rumors. Until they turn into concrete evidence, they don’t matter. The rumor about Lathan Ransom ended up being false. But this other rumor about another Ohio State football player seems more substantiated.

There is a rumor that is floating around on social media and several Ohio State football circles that the most important player on the Buckeyes’ offensive line is now out for the season. That player is center Seth McLaughlin. Allegedly, he has torn his Achilles during practice.

McLaughlin has been the most consistent player on the offensive line all season long. He’s the leader up front and is by far the best offensive lineman on the roster. Losing him would be a crushing blow, especially just a few days out from the Ohio State Buckeyes taking on IU.

If this rumor is true, the Buckeyes are in big trouble. Not only is the game against Indiana in serious jeopardy, but any potential Playoff game becomes a lot harder to win. The offensive line has already been shuffled so much this year. To have them shuffled again would be crippling.

With McLaughlin out, Carson Hinzman would likely move to center. He started there last year and obviously has a lot of experience from that season there. The Buckeyes would then likely move Austin Siereveld to left guard. It’s a giant mess up front at the worst possible time.

Of all of the injuries Ohio State has had to deal with this season, this one would be the hardest one to deal with. It’s a shame that Ohio State hasn’t been able to build the depth on the offensive line in the last few years with recruiting. Justin Frye’s inability to recruit has put this team in a tough spot.

Ohio State football fans have to hope this rumor isn’t true.