Imagine stepping onto the field in your home state, not as a wide-eyed rookie scrambling to keep up, but as a seasoned pro ready to dominate—Carson Hinzman is living that transformative journey this weekend as he returns to Wisconsin with a whole lot more swagger than just two years ago. It's the kind of comeback story that gets your heart pumping, right? But here's where it gets intriguing: what happens when hometown loyalty clashes with the fierce drive to win big?
Diving into Ohio State's old game tapes from their last showdown with Wisconsin really opened Hinzman's eyes to his remarkable progress over these past 24 months. 'It was brutal,' he admitted with a chuckle and a head shake. 'I was basically flying blind out there, just tossing the ball around and praying nothing blew up in my face.' Picture a young player thrust into the spotlight without a roadmap— that's Hinzman back in October 2023, when Ohio State edged out Wisconsin 24-10 at Camp Randall Stadium in a thrilling, hard-fought victory.
That win, which you can relive in detail on Eleven Warriors, wasn't without its drama for Hinzman. As Ohio State's starting center, the Wisconsin native endured a bumpy rookie campaign. He'd been forced into the role a year ahead of schedule after teammate Luke Wypler bolted for the NFL draft, and let's just say, it was a rollercoaster. Struggles piled up throughout the season, culminating in him being sidelined for the Cotton Bowl, leaving him with plenty of lessons learned the hard way.
Fast-forward to now, and Hinzman is the grizzled veteran anchoring Ohio State's offensive line—a far cry from that uncertain kid. 'Two years back, I was mostly reacting on instinct, clueless about the bigger picture and leaning heavily on my teammates,' he reflected. 'Today, it's like I've flipped the script; I'm taking charge, guiding the group, and spotting plays before they unfold. Same spot on the field, but the whole vibe feels worlds different.' For those new to football, think of the offensive line as the unsung heroes who protect the quarterback and pave the way for the running backs—Hinzman's job as center means he's often the one snapping the ball and calling out defensive schemes, a role that demands sharp instincts and leadership.
Growing up in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, Hinzman never dreamed he'd be cheering against the Badgers from the opponent's bench at iconic Camp Randall Stadium. As a kid, he proudly toted a Wisconsin lunch pail to school, and his mom even painted Bucky Badger on the windows for his birthday parties. The recruitment saga was a nail-biter too—a tight tug-of-war between Ohio State and Wisconsin that almost swung the other way. One evening, riding home from his sister's game, Hinzman nearly pulled the trigger on committing to the Badgers. 'We were in the car late at night, and I dialed up Coach Joe Rudolph, Wisconsin's offensive line coach back then,' he recounted. 'No answer, so I figured I'd sleep on it. Next day, I called back, played it cool, but ultimately, I chose Ohio State.' It's a classic tale of close calls in college sports, where a single missed call can redefine a player's path.
Despite his roots as a die-hard Wisconsin fan, Hinzman admits it's tough watching the Badgers fumble through a rough season. Yet, mercy isn't on the menu for Saturday's matchup. 'I'm fired up to head back and compete,' he said. 'I'm at .500 in games there from high school—we bombed the state championship as freshmen, so let's turn that around.' And this is the part most people miss: even with Wisconsin's four-game losing skid, including a lopsided 37-0 drubbing by Iowa, Hinzman knows it's no walk in the park. Ohio State's offensive line, including Hinzman, will need to sharpen up in the running game—where the Buckeyes have stumbled lately—because Wisconsin's defense ranks top 20 nationally, surrendering just 97.5 rushing yards per game on average. For beginners, rushing yards measure how far a team advances on the ground, and a stingy defense like this forces offenses to adapt or get stuffed.
'It'll be a grind,' Hinzman warned. 'Their front seven is elite, and their style differs from what we've faced so far—desperate teams like this are unpredictable and risky.' That's a fascinating angle, isn't it? Desperate squads often play with reckless abandon, pulling off upset magic that defies logic. Think of it as the underdog's secret weapon in sports—when everything's on the line, ordinary players can become extraordinary. Hinzman welcomes the test, feeling equipped unlike before. Last year, he started as backup to Seth McLaughlin but stepped in as the starter after McLaughlin's Achilles injury, helping deliver a national title. Now, he's the reliable anchor Ohio State counts on.
Head coach Ryan Day summed it up perfectly: 'He's evolved into an outstanding footballer. His communication is spot-on, he exudes confidence, keeps the line unified, and thrives in tough spots. We're counting on him this weekend, and I know he's thrilled to shine back home.' With over 40 family members and friends expected in the stands for Saturday night's game, Hinzman can't wait to showcase his growth firsthand. 'I'm heading in with way more assurance than last time,' he shared. 'We've built tremendous trust across our O-line and backfield—let's go unleash it on the field.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it disloyal to crush your childhood team for glory, or does that raw ambition define true greatness? Some might argue Hinzman's shift to Ohio State betrays his roots, while others see it as the ultimate triumph of personal growth over nostalgia. What do you think—does hometown pride trump all, or is chasing championships the real game-changer? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you've got a similar rivalry story or a fresh take on loyalty in sports!
