Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes center Seth McLaughlin on preseason watch list for Rimington Trophy

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Seth McLaughlin on Rimington Trophy preseason watch list

Ohio State landed an elite center from the transfer portal this offseason, earning a pledge from former Alabama starting center Seth McLaughlin, who allowed just one sack in 25 career starts for the Crimson Tide across the last two seasons.

The Buckeyes have high expectations for McLaughlin as he enters his final season of college football, and folks around the country also believe McLaughlin can be a star as the apex of this Buckeyes offensive line.

McLaughlin has been named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the country’s top center.

Three Buckeyes have won the award since it began in 2000. LeCharles Bentley won it in 2001, Pat Elflein won it in 2016 and Billy Price won it in 2017. McLaughlin has a chance to become the fourth if he can play up to expectations this season.

Pair of Buckeyes shed black stripes after Friday’s practice

EDDDRICK HOUSTON LOSES BLACK STRIPE

Ohio State is adding another member to the Rushmen — in an official capacity this time. Freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston shed his black stripe after practice on Friday, officially becoming a part of the Buckeyes football program.

Houston has impressed so far during his first offseason on campus ahead of his freshman campaign.

Ohio State was quite excited to land the former four-star prospect out of Buford, Georgia. Houston had an eventful signing day, one that almost saw him flip to Alabama at the 11th hour.

Now Houston is gearing up for his first season at Ohio State after signing with the Buckeyes. And he’s flashing elite potential early in his career. The latest example of that is a black stripe removal.

JAMES PEOPLES LOSES BLACK STRIPE

Ohio State freshman tailback James Peoples said earlier this week that if he’s called upon to play this season for the Buckeyes, he’ll be ready.

He took a big step forward on his way to having a role in the running back room on Friday, shedding his black stripe to become an official member of the football program.

Peoples is one of two Buckeyes freshmen to lose the black stripe Friday; he was joined by freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston. Freshman safety Jaylen McClain lost his black stripe on Wednesday after practice.

As for Peoples, he has a big season ahead of him as the potential No. 3 running back on the depth chart behind senior TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

Peoples believes he will be ready for action this fall for Ohio State — in whatever role he’s needed.

Tim May on five-star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith

Lettermen Row and the rest of the Ohio State media contingent spoke to Buckeyes freshman wide receiver and former No. 1 overall prospect Jeremiah Smith on Friday.

Our very own Tim May wrote about Smith and the expectations surrounding Smith as he enters his first season.

Make sure to read that below.

READ: Jeremiah Smith embracing expectations ahead of highly-anticipated freshman season

Counting Down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 21 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 112 days

Are you a Lettermen Row member yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Buckeyes news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.