Ohio State starter reveals surprising insight ahead of the matchup against #3 Oregon.

Ohio State right tackle Josh Fryar, a two-year starter, surprised fans with an honest response about the pressure of playing in high-profile games. When asked about the upcoming clash between #2 Ohio State and #3 Oregon, Fryar admitted, “I don’t like getting on national television because if you mess up, everyone knows — the reporters, announcers, everybody.”

Fryar’s candid remark stood out, especially given Ohio State’s consistent presence in major games. The Buckeyes have finished in the AP Top Ten for 11 consecutive seasons and boast a 61-8 record under Ryan Day, who has the highest active winning percentage in FBS at .884. Last season, Fryar played against top-ranked teams like #9 Notre Dame, #7 Penn State, #3 Michigan, and #9 Missouri. Ohio State won 11 straight games before ending the season with losses to Michigan and Missouri, the latter a disappointing 14-3 defeat in the Cotton Bowl.

Fryar went on to explain, “But at the same time, you’ve got to embrace it too. I think last year, when there was a big game, I would kind of shy away from it, but now I feel more experienced and ready to play.”

He added, “It’s a cool environment because you never get to experience anything like this ever again in your life.” Fryar’s hesitation likely stems from the tough, grind-it-out mindset typical of offensive linemen, a position where you only get noticed if you make an error. (“Holding, number 70, 15-yard penalty, repeat first down.”) Despite his honest reflection, his comments stirred some frustration among Buckeye fans.

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— Blue Bloods Bias (@bluebloodsbias) October 10, 2024

Ryan Stano of Crimson and Game described Fryar’s comments as a “confounding answer.” He wrote, “Josh Fryar started at right tackle last season and wasn’t great. I didn’t like what I saw from him in the final four games. Despite this, he’s starting again this year, and while he’s much improved, his response to a question about playing in big games makes me doubt him again. Big-time college football puts players and coaches under immense pressure. Look at the backlash against Kalen DeBoer and the Tide defense after their loss to Vanderbilt last Saturday.”

Stano added that it’s tough to criticize Fryar for being honest. After all, Fryar is part of one of the most productive offenses in college football. The Buckeye offensive line has paved the way for an average of 46 points and 510 yards per game while allowing only two sacks. They also average 6.2 yards per rush. Given those impressive stats, Stano argues it’s unfair to question Fryar’s toughness or commitment. “He’s just more sensitive and a lot more honest than your typical big-time player—better that than the usual canned responses,” Stano concluded.