Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
The highest-rated offensive line recruit from Ohio since Paris Johnson in 2020, Carter Lowe (No. 11 offensive tackle, No. 74 overall) was a must-get for Ohio State in the 2025 class, especially given the Buckeyes' struggles of late recruiting at the position.
The 6-foot-6, 341-pound tackle brings plenty of size to the left side of OSU's offensive line.
Carter Lowe
- Size: 6-6/341
- Position: OT
- School: Whitmer (Toledo, Ohio)
- 247 Composite: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: #11 OT
- Overall Rank: #74
How He Became a Buckeye
After visiting for the Toledo game back in 2022 and camping in Columbus that summer, Ohio State was the second Power Five offer he received behind only Kentucky. Lowe became the first in-state offensive lineman the Buckeyes offered in the cycle on Jan. 27, 2023, two days before Michigan offered him.
A Toledo Whitmer product, Lowe was already centrally located between Columbus and Ann Arbor and Ohio State and Michigan seemed to be atop the list for the offensive tackle, along with Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.
One day after Ryan Day and then-offensive line coach Justin Frye visited Lowe, assuring him that he was a top target at the position in the cycle, the Toledo product committed to the Buckeyes on Jan. 27, 2024, becoming the first offensive line commitment in the class for Ohio State.
“I'm big on, whoever wants you the most, put them as a priority,” Lowe told Eleven Warriors last June. “And I think they made me a priority from day one. I think a lot of schools did, but out of everybody, I feel like they needed me the most, and that's all you really want to feel as a recruit. So that was definitely one of the leading factors overall.
“I just love the culture. Everything about it. So, I'm just really glad I made the decision.”
High School Years
Lowe primarily played at left tackle throughout his time as a three-year starter at Whitmer.
What goes up, must come down pic.twitter.com/GECDZ5u1xq
— Carter Lowe (@big_carter72) September 21, 2024
In his prep career, Lowe displayed a consistent physicality at the line of scrimmage. He was adept in both run blocking and pass protection, though his pass blocking may be further ahead than his run blocking heading into his first year as a Buckeye. Lowe is a multi-sport athlete who also competed in track and field, with his main events being shot put and discus, and basketball throughout his time in high school.
Ohio State 2025 Target:
— Zeke (@anotherbucksfan) January 22, 2024
OT Carter Lowe
65 290
#3 Player in the state of Ohio and 85th in the nation
Making his commitment Saturday at 3pm
LT at the next level pic.twitter.com/3ko2Ibr4Qe
Immediate Impact
Better Know A Buckeye
Although Ryan Day has said Lowe could also play guard, Lowe's athleticism, size and proven ability on the blind side suggests he'll stay at left tackle in the long run and won't move to need inside.
“Wherever they put me is where I like,” Lowe said. “But I think they like me at tackle right now. I like tackle, left tackle, specifically.”
Like nearly every freshman offensive lineman, Lowe will likely need at least a year to develop before he's ready for a significant role on Ohio State's offensive line. That said, he has a chance to earn a spot on the two-deep as a freshman if he proves his worth throughout spring practice and fall camp. With Ethan Onianwa expected to start at left tackle, Lowe will compete with Austin Siereveld and Deontae Armstrong, among others, for a backup tackle role.
Long-Term Impact
Although Onianwa is a first-year Buckeye, he is entering his final season of eligibility which means the starting left tackle position will be vacant entering the 2026 season. If Lowe can maximize his time, both on the field and off of it, as a freshman, he will have a chance to compete that starting role in his second season as a Buckeye.
Although when – not if – Lowe will eventually start at tackle for Ohio State seems to be the biggest question, he has the talent to be a future All-Big Ten selection and an anchor of OSU's offensive line.
Player Comparison: Jamarco Jones
Jones was a leader on the offensive line, playing in 50 games and starting his final 27 games at Ohio State. The left tackle was an All-Big Ten honoree twice, including first-team all-conference in 2017.
After finishing his Buckeye career, Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has played in 38 games (seven starts) and been on two teams – the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions – over the last seven years.
Much like Jones did a decade ago, Lowe will likely use his first season in Columbus to develop both on and off the field. Then, as a sophomore, he could make his way to the two-deep before becoming a starter along OSU's offensive line in his third season in Columbus.
