​George Fitzpatrick, Offensive Line, The Ohio State University transfer, is projected to be a co-starter for the Buckeyes with one to two years of remaining eligibility, contingent on obtaining a medical hardship waiver if necessary. He currently holds an on-scholarship status. Born January 13, 2004, Fitzpatrick arrived as a highly regarded offensive lineman from Ohio State, anticipated to step into Easton Kilty’s left-tackle role last season, though an undisclosed medical issue—believed to be heat-related—kept him sidelined for the entire year. The team and supporters broadly hope he has fully recovered and is ready to contribute again.
Fitzpatrick is majoring in communication studies and hopes to return to peak form this season. While he was out, John Pastore established himself at left tackle, creating a dynamic where Fitzpatrick is envisioned to rotate with Gus Hawkins at right tackle. Head coach Collin Klein has spoken positively about Fitzpatrick’s progress, noting that he has consistently reached the benchmarks set by medical staff and trainers. Klein emphasized careful monitoring as Fitzpatrick re-enters competition, while expressing strong optimism about his future contributions: “I’m really excited. He’s been able to hit every benchmark that the physicians and the trainers have wanted him to hit. He’s made really, really good progress. We’ll obviously monitor him very, very carefully as we get back into it, but I’m very, very excited at the prospect of what he’s going to be able to do.”
Fitzpatrick’s playing time at Ohio State evolved over three seasons. In 2022, he appeared in nine offensive snaps against Indiana to preserve his redshirt. In 2023, he played in three games as a redshirt freshman, contributing as a reserve offensive lineman versus Western Kentucky, Michigan State, and Minnesota. The 2024 season marked a breakthrough, with Fitzpatrick appearing in all 16 games, including four College Football Playoff games, contributing as a reserve offensive lineman and participating in field goal and extra point protection. He helped the Buckeyes, under head coach Will Howard, secure the CFP trophy with a victory over Notre Dame. Across the season, Fitzpatrick logged 84 offensive snaps, including a career-high 22 plays against Western Michigan, where he lined up alongside current K-State linebacker Gabe Powers. Pro Football Focus credits him with only one pressure allowed and no sacks over his Ohio State career.
Fitzpatrick prepped at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado, under head coach Dave Logan, a program that has produced a growing number of players who have committed to Ohio State. The Cherry Creek Bruins were a perennial powerhouse, reaching four consecutive Colorado state championship games during Fitzpatrick’s tenure, with championship wins from his sophomore through senior seasons. Nationally, he was rated as the 167th-best prospect in the 2022 recruiting class by 247Sports, the 15th-best offensive tackle and the second-best prospect in Colorado according to that outlet. On3 ranked him as the 282nd-best overall recruit nationally, the 22nd-best offensive tackle, and the top prospect in Colorado. His combination of size, technique, and football IQ has made him a coveted transfer target and a promising contributor for the Buckeyes.
In high school, Fitzpatrick stood out by earning first-team all-state honors from coaches across Colorado as a senior, recognizing his playmaking ability and leadership on the line. He contributed significantly to Cherry Creek’s continued success and national reputation as a pipeline for Division I programs. As he continues his college career, Fitzpatrick’s offensive line versatility and readiness to adapt to the Buckeyes’ schemes position him as a potential cornerstone for Ohio State’s blocking unit. With his experience at multiple levels of competition and a demonstrated commitment to recovery and improvement, Fitzpatrick remains a notable figure in the program’s pursuit of a balanced and potent offense.