The Rimington Trophy could come to Columbus this fall.
On Friday, Ohio State offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin was named a preseason candidate for the Rimington Trophy, an award that honors college football's best center. He is one of 40 centers on the watch list, which also includes Big Ten snappers Logan Jones (Iowa), Ben Scott (Nebraska), Iapani Laloulu (Oregon), Gus Hartwig (Purdue) and Jonah Monheim (USC).
Preseason @rimingtontrophy Watch List honor for @Seth_Mc24 pic.twitter.com/hBeyQBSKhJ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 9, 2024
McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State from Alabama in January. In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, he made 35 appearances and 24 starts. McLaughlin started in 13 of Alabama's 14 games last year, including the team's College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Michigan.
This preseason, McLaughlin has been Ohio State's No. 1 center as the Buckeyes' 2023 starter, Carson Hinzman, competes with Tegra Tshabola to start at right guard. McLaughlin's experience at the position – along with the experience of Josh Simmons, Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar – could be crucial to Ohio State accomplishing its goals in 2024, which include beating Michigan, winning a Big Ten championship and winning a national title.
In addition to his preseason nomination for the Rimington Trophy, McLaughlin was also named to a watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy last week. The Wuerffel Trophy is "college football's premier award for community service," which McLaughlin completed throughout his time in Tuscaloosa and plans to continue in Columbus.
Buckeyes on Preseason Awards Watch Lists
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Jim Thorpe Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
Paul Hornung Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Wuerffel Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Walter Camp Player of The Year
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Doak Walker Award
- TreVeyon Henderson, running back
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
Biletnikoff Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Davey O'Brien Award
- Will Howard, quarterback
Rimington Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
