Former Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin took another step in his NFL climb Wednesday, when the Detroit Lions announced they had elevated the 2024 consensus All-American from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

For Buckeye fans, the move is a reminder of how quickly McLaughlin made his mark in Columbus.

The Buford, Ga. product transferred from Alabama for his final season in 2024 and immediately anchored the offensive line. He started the first 10 games at center, graded as a champion in every start, and did not allow a sack.

Ohio State’s line ranked among the nation’s best in fewest tackles for loss and sacks allowed before McLaughlin tore his Achilles in late November practice.

The injury ended his playing year, but not the honors. McLaughlin still won the Rimington Trophy as college football’s outstanding center — the fourth Buckeye to do so, giving Ohio State the most winners of any program.

He was a consensus first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection.

He also earned first-team Academic All-America honors, joining Donovan Jackson as only the third and fourth players in school history to collect first-team All-America and first-team Academic All-America honors in the same season.

McLaughlin went undrafted in 2025 after the Achilles recovery, spent his rookie year on the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad without appearing in a regular-season game, then signed a reserve/future deal with Detroit in January.

He made the Lions’ initial 53-man roster in late August, was waived days later while in concussion protocol, and returned to the practice squad.

Detroit elevated him for Week 2 against Buffalo, though he did not play.

With starting center Cade Mays still on injured reserve with a broken wrist, the Lions turned to McLaughlin as their primary backup behind Juice Scruggs.

The 6-foot-4, 304-pound lineman now has a firmer foothold on an NFL roster after one standout year in scarlet and gray.

He played in 45 college games and started 34 across Alabama and Ohio State, winning national titles in 2020 and 2024.

For Ohio State supporters, Wednesday’s promotion is less about Detroit’s depth chart and more about a one-year Buckeye who left as the nation’s best center and is still chasing an NFL opportunity.