OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — OL
3.41 GPA — Sport Industry
Head Coach: Ryan Day | Athletics Director: Ross Bjork
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. John Davidson and Dr. Timothy Haab
An All-America offensive lineman and national champion, Carson Hinzman has helped anchor one of college football's most productive offenses while distinguishing himself in the classroom and as a leader in the community. The Spring Valley, Wisconsin, native becomes Ohio State's 24th NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 2024.
Hinzman graduated in spring 2025 with a degree in sport industry and a 3.41 GPA and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in real estate. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and three-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete, he was also recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2023.
A three-year letterman, Hinzman earned First Team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association and Third Team All-Big Ten recognition in 2025. His versatility has been an asset for the Buckeyes, with starting experience at both center and guard. Hinzman helped Ohio State become one of only two FBS programs to produce a 3,500-yard passer, a 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard rusher in 2024 and 2025.
He helped Ohio State rank among the nation's top 25 in nearly every major offensive category in 2025. Through seven games in 2026, Ohio State ranked second nationally in team passing efficiency (185.66 rating), third in passing yards per completion (15.60), and sixth in passing offense (323.1 yards per game). The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in scoring (39.3 ppg), total offense (476.3 ypg) and passing (323.1 ypg).
Hinzman helped Ohio State capture the 2024 national championship, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame during its College Football Playoff run. The Buckeyes' offensive line surrendered just four sacks across those four postseason victories. Ohio State also reached the playoff quarterfinals in 2025, appeared in the 2022 Peach Bowl semifinal and earned a Cotton Bowl berth following the 2023 season. The Buckeyes finished each of those four seasons ranked in the nation's top 10. This season, the Buckeyes have compiled a 6-1 record and are ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25.
Beyond football, Hinzman is working with his father to establish a foundation called 4apurpose while also developing Grit and Grain, an initiative helping kids from rural and blue-collar communities more opportunities to succeed. He has visited patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the James Cancer Hospital, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and prepared meals for people experiencing homelessness. His service also includes supporting Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, reading to local students, coaching at youth football camps and participating in agricultural awareness events.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
