Signed: Ian Moore Gives Ohio State an Impressive Offensive Tackle for Its 2024 Recruiting Class

Four-star Indiana offensive tackle Ian Moore is the Buckeyes' highest-rated offensive lineman in their 2024 recruiting class and has the potential to become an impact player down the road. 

Moore first burst onto OSU's radar at a recruiting camp in June 2022, where he impressed offensive line coach Justin Frye and picked up an offer from the Buckeyes. Once he picked up the offer, the Buckeyes were the clear frontrunner for Moore, and the 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman committed to the Buckeyes on Oct. 20.

“Every time I would try and compare a school, I'd always compare it to Ohio State,” Moore told Eleven Warriors of his commitment. “And every time I'd see something that this one school did, I'd be like, ‘Ohio State didn’t do that’ … I just kept circling back to there's no point, I know where I want to go.”

Ian Moore Mr. Football of the State of Indiana is headed east to trade in one shade of red, to the one that really matters. He is going to move you whether you want to or not, and he will punish all of those who come near QB1, he is ready to go, we hope the rest of the BIG 10 pic.twitter.com/On9q5An7io

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 20, 2023

OSU's brotherhood, development plan and consistent winning culture were all factors in Moore's decision to opt to play for the Buckeyes.

“Their culture, honestly,” Moore said of why he chose OSU. “Culture, the coaches, the fans, the team. Growing up (in Indiana), you kind of grew up hating Ohio State because they beat your college team every week. But I mean, going there and being recruited by them, it was probably one of the best experiences I've ever had. Getting to see a couple of games there was incredible. Like, the atmosphere was insane. The players were top of the line. You can tell that they've been coached really well.”

Moore related to Frye, who played collegiate football at Indiana from 2002 to 2006 and served as a graduate assistant coach to begin his coaching career. 

“I don't know if it's an Indiana thing. But Coach Frye literally sounds like my dad when he talks,” Moore said. “He feels like a family member and it was a big impact. I was comparing things, but it all narrowed down to (the coaching staff) and the distance. The distance was the main reason (I picked OSU), I mean, it's two-and-a-half hours from my house. My dad's a big guy, he's 6-foot-7 and he doesn't fit on planes. It's good for them to be able to see me.

“And I know that when they come over, they're going to be treated like they're a part of the football team. And it's just having the coaches feel like family makes me feel like when my family comes to visit me, they're going to treat them like family.”

Guy who carries his lunch pail to work! Will be a great OT! https://t.co/jcngwV2Txr

— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) December 20, 2023

Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Moore is considered the 138th-best prospect and the sixth-rated interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class. While Moore is listed as an interior offensive lineman by some recruiting services, Frye strongly believes in Moore's ability to play offensive tackle and the Indiana product will start his collegiate career on the outside. But Moore is also fine with playing wherever the Buckeyes ask him to. 

“I just want to play football," Moore said. "I don't care where. I'll go play wide receiver. I'm not saying I’ll be a good wide receiver, but if it gives me playing time, it gives me playing time.”

Considering offensive line is one of the most developmental positions in the sport, it may take some time for Moore to see the field in a meaningful role. But freshman Luke Montgomery impressed Frye so much before this past season that he earned his way onto the two-deep and saw immediate playing time in short-yardage packages. It's not inconceivable Moore could have a similar trajectory if he impresses the coaching staff.

Moore will be an early enrollee and participate in spring football in March.