Tegra Tshabola Cements Himself as Ohio State's Right Guard

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State's position battle at right guard has gone well into the season in 2024. Junior Tegra Tshabola has seemingly taken over as the full-time starter now for the No. 2 Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten Conference). Shabola was sharing snaps with Austin Siereveld in the two games prior to playing every snap with the starting group against the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 5.

Tshabola has been very good each time out for an Ohio State offensive line that has quieted preseason concerns. The line was heavily criticized at times last season, especially for their Cotton Bowl performance in a disappointing 14-3 loss to the Missouri Tigers. The emergence of Tshabola has been one of the many keys to the unit's significant improvement.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has implemented an exciting new scheme in his first year with the Buckeyes. His rushing attack puts a lot of responsibility and pressure on each lineman up front. They are constantly pulling linemen to climb into the second level or the open field to lead the way for their dangerous running back tandem. Tshabola has shown impressive athleticism and an ability to play with top-tier physicality. He is constantly finishing blocks at the end of plays by putting defenders on the turf and opening holes in the middle of the trenches.

Tegra Tshabola vs. Austin Siereveld

Siereveld was also impressive each time out and filled in very well for left guard Donovan Jackson when he missed the first two games. He has been most notable as a run blocker, showing a tenacity equal to Tshabola or any other Buckeye. Head coach Ryan Day was very open in previous weeks about the team's plan of using both players. Having a rotation to keep the two fresh while simultaneously letting them fight for the permanent spot was a welcomed opportunity.

In the two games prior to Iowa (3-2, 1-1), Tshabola edged Siereveld out in total snaps at RG 79 to 56. That gap was severely widened as Tshabola beat him out by 60 snaps against the Hawkeyes. The run game ran as smoothly as ever, totaling 203 yards with a 5.1 yards per carry average against a defense that was yet to allow 100 yards on the ground. Quarterback Will Howard was also well-protected as the Buckeyes only gave up a single sack. Tshabola has gained an edge over Siereveld in pass protection.

Moving Forward as the Starter

On Oct. 8, Day stated his intention to have Tshabola remain the starter when they face the No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0) on Oct. 12 and in the near future as of now. When asked at his weekly news conference if Tshabola would remain the full-time RG, Day said "Probably, but we'll see again—we'll keep evaluating it on a week-to-week basis."

Tshabola beat out last year's starting center Carson Hinzman for the RG spot in fall camp. He has now also held off a fiery, tough competitor in Siereveld. Ohio State fans can take comfort in knowing that he has fought for the position and earned it. He will need to fight to keep it now as they move deeper into Big Ten Conference play.