Eight Ohio State players were Iron Buckeyes this summer.
In a social media post on Friday, Ohio State announced that offensive lineman Austin Siereveld, defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, linebackers Payton Pierce and Sonny Styles, wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith and safety Jaylen McClain exhibited “unquestionable training, dedication, determination, discipline, toughness and leadership" during summer workouts, earning them the title of Iron Buckeye.
An honor like no other, your
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 1, 2025
@SiereveldAustin
@kjacksonjr_
@LincolnKienholz
@payton_pierce26
@sonnystyles_
@carnelltate_
@Jermiah_Smith1
@Jaylenmcclain08 pic.twitter.com/THX0r7M6qY
Styles, Smith and Siereveld are all multi-time Iron Buckeyes, with Styles earning the honor for the fourth straight year, Smith for the third, and Siereveld for the second. Day revealed Siereveld was one of the team's Iron Buckeyes during a press conference on Tuesday.
"Austin was an Iron Buckeye, and he had a tremendous offseason," Day said. "He's taken all the strides you need to solidify yourself as a starter. ... We'll go through the first couple of weeks and figure out where he can best help us, whether it's guard or tackle, but he feels comfortable at both positions."
While Day said it's unclear where Siereveld will contribute for the Buckeyes, the Cincinnati native has started preseason camp competing with Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels at right tackle.
Interestingly, Siereveld isn't the only Iron Buckeye in a position battle this fall, as Kienholz and McClain also made the list. Contrary to SportsCenter graphics, Kienholz is in a neck-and-neck competition with Julian Sayin to be Ohio State's QB1 this season, while McClain is in a race with Malik Hartford to start alongside unanimous All-American Caleb Downs at safety.
The remaining Ohio State players named Iron Buckeyes include Tate, Jackson and Pierce. All three are expected to make an impact in 2025, albeit in different capacities, with Tate as a returning starter, Jackson a first-time starter and Pierce a primary backup behind Styles and Arvell Reese.
