Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
The only non-early enrollee in the cycle for Ohio State, Tucker Smith was a late bloomer in the class, earning 12 Division I offers, the majority of which came in 2025.
Tucker Smith
- Size: 6-5/280
- Position: IOL
- School: Sandra Day O'Connor (Glendale, Arizona)
- 247 Sports Composite: ★★★
- Composite Rank: #607 (#47 IOL)
Background
Back in March 2025, Smith's life changed forever when he received an Ohio State offer. Less than a week later, the Arizona offensive lineman committed to the Buckeyes, becoming the third offensive lineman to commit to OSU in a one-month span.
“I’ve been to a lot of schools over the last year,” Smith told Eleven Warriors of his decision. “Those visits have helped me sort through the decision-making process. Ohio State is just an incredible school. I also have family nearby. I am very proud to tell people I am going to be a Buckeye.”
Smith chose Ohio State over the likes of Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Purdue, USC and Washington, among others.
He was locked in with the Buckeyes following his commitment, as he didn't visit any other school from the time he committed in March to the time he signed with the Buckeyes in December.
Smith played all across the offensive line throughout his time at Sandra Day O'Connor High School, including center, guard and tackle. He was also a high school wrestler during his time at Sandra Day O'Connor.
— Tucker Smith (@TuckerSmith77) September 13, 2022
Scouting Report
At 6-5 and 280 pounds, Smith does well both in pass protection and run blocking. On the latter, he has great agility and does an outstanding job getting to the second level.
Not only is Smith strong at the point of attack, but he also shows good bend and has the quickness to put opposing defensive linemen on the ground. His fluidity allows him to adjust well to moving targets, and he's shown time and time again that he plays through the whistle, blocking opponents onto the ground until he's told the play is over.
“I just want to finish blocks every play,” Smith said. “I want to be known as a physical player who finishes blocks. I want to get better at everything. I'm excited to get coached by the best at Ohio State.”
Depth Chart Outlook
The transition from high school to college is tough enough for the majority of offensive linemen, but with Smith not arriving at Ohio State until June, the 2026 season will be one in which he develops and adds to his frame off the field. If that goes well, he could potentially begin to contribute on special teams as a sophomore in 2027; he likely won't play a significant role along the offensive line until his third season at OSU in 2028.
Better Know A Buckeye
While Smith profiles as an interior offensive lineman at Ohio State, he has the frame to move to tackle if needed, if that's how the depth chart moves forward for more playing time in the future. That said, he’s expected to begin his Ohio State career at guard.
Player Comparison: Marcus Hall
While Hall will always be known for his hand gesture while leaving the field in Ann Arbor in 2013, he provided even more than that during his time at Ohio State. That said, it all came after a couple of years of development.
The 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman played 10 games during his first two seasons in Columbus, the latter of which he redshirted. Hall then recorded five starts at right guard while also serving as the backup left guard in his fourth season as a Buckeye.
Hall became a full-time starter as a redshirt senior, starting all 12 games at right guard while playing in 827 of 837 snaps from scrimmage in 2012.
Smith could follow the same career path as Hall in Columbus as long as he develops his game. Hall started 17 games for Ohio State, all of which came in his fourth and fifth seasons with the Buckeyes.
The fact that Smith has experience all over the offensive line – much like Hall did – should increase his chances of earning playing time as an upperclassman after contributing on special teams during his first couple of years at OSU.
