Senior center Seth McLaughlin spent four years playing football for the Alabama Crimson Tide before making a move to join another formidable team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. McLaughlin, a part of three College Football Playoff Teams and a crucial member of the 2020 National Championship team that triumphed over Ohio State, shared insights into the valuable lessons he gained under the guidance of legendary head coach Nick Saban during his time in Tuscaloosa.
Expressing gratitude for the transformative experience, McLaughlin emphasized the significance of Coach Saban’s daily mentorship, focusing on aspects such as personal development, the qualities of being a man, and the keys to success. He acknowledged that many individuals across various professions would highly value the opportunity to undergo such coaching and leadership.
While McLaughlin maintained a deep appreciation for Alabama, referring to it as his “alma mater,” he recognized the need for a change at this point in his career. Emphasizing the pursuit of professionalism in the sport, he saw the move to the Ohio State Buckeyes as a beneficial change.
As a 2023 preseason Rimington Award Watchlist honoree, McLaughlin aspires to make an immediate impact on the Buckeyes, especially in addressing the team’s early-season struggles with the running game. Drawing on Alabama’s success in rushing offense and touchdowns, he aims to contribute to enhancing the Buckeyes’ ground performance, which lagged behind in the Big Ten rankings.
McLaughlin, expected to secure a starting role along the offensive front, anticipates bringing his SEC experience to bear in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten. He highlighted the commonalities among good football teams, emphasizing that toughness, size, and talent are universal traits shared by successful teams. Looking ahead, McLaughlin is set to take the field for the Ohio State Spring game on April 13, eager to make a positive impact on his new team.
