COLUMBUS, Ohio — Football players are known for their strong language, and Josh Fryar had every reason to let a few words slip when he saw what lay ahead of him.
On a frigid December night at Ohio Stadium, quarterback Will Howard connected on a deep 40-yard pass to receiver Emeka Egbuka. The play was a defining moment in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff first-round win over Tennessee.
As the crowd erupted, Howard turned back and saw Fryar on the ground, struggling with pain from a lower-body injury.
Realizing he had to push forward, Fryar knew there was no time to dwell on the discomfort.
“Oh s—, I’ve got to go down there,” he thought. “I’ve got to start running.”
A Painful Yet Defining Moment
Despite his injury, Fryar forced himself to his feet and made the journey he wouldn’t forget.
“That was probably the most painful run I’ve ever had in my life,” he admitted.
On the next play, Ohio State ran up the middle with Quinshon Judkins, followed by a right-side run just moments later.
“Those were probably the most excruciating plays I’ve ever been a part of,” Fryar added.
With Ohio State’s offensive line already dealing with injuries, there was concern Fryar might be the next name on the list. However, just two plays later, he led the blocking on a goal-line run that resulted in a touchdown—cementing his role as a critical piece in Ohio State’s championship pursuit.
Pushing Through the Pain
For an offensive lineman, recovering after a game is never easy. But with Ohio State’s extended postseason run, Fryar faced the grueling aftermath of competition 16 times.
“I don’t think I can compare it to anything,” he said. “Just pain.”
Ohio State’s offensive line coach, Justin Frye, had to navigate an unlucky streak of injuries.
First, left tackle Josh Simmons—a projected first-round NFL Draft pick—suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oregon on Oct. 12. Then, a month later, standout center Seth McLaughlin ruptured his Achilles ahead of a top-five matchup with Indiana.
Although those two were the most notable losses, the rest of the offensive line wasn’t exactly injury-free. A grueling 16-game season took a toll on everyone, but Ohio State’s front five fought through adversity to secure the national title.
“You do this because you love the game,” Fryar said. “No matter the injuries or setbacks, you keep going because of your passion for it.”
Fryar: The Anchor of Ohio State’s Offensive Line
With key injuries forcing position shifts, Ohio State’s offensive line had to adjust.
Donovan Jackson moved from guard to left tackle. Carson Hinzman filled in at left guard before sliding over to center. Austin Siereveld rotated between guard positions, and Luke Montgomery emerged as a contributor at left guard, ultimately starting the Buckeyes’ final two games.
However, one position remained steady—right tackle.
Fryar played 928 snaps, the most of any player on the team.
“He’s a veteran, smart, tough guy,” Frye said.
Beyond his reliability, Fryar also became a vocal and emotional leader for the Buckeyes.
“When he speaks—whether it’s in the huddle or in the meeting room—the guys listen,” Frye added.
Fryar never held back his energy, often celebrating big moments with shouts and fist pumps.
Those celebrations were well-earned. A once-overlooked recruit, Fryar developed into a key piece of Ohio State’s championship team before setting his sights on an NFL future.
“He’s gained confidence as an offensive lineman throughout his career, especially this season,” head coach Ryan Day said.
