Indiana football has secured a verbal commitment from Ohio State offensive tackle Zen Michalski, according to multiple reports. Michalski, originally from Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs, was a highly rated recruit in the 2021 class, ranking as the No. 306 overall player and No. 4 in Indiana. He received nearly 30 scholarship offers before committing to Ohio State over schools like Florida State, Louisville, and Penn State.
Michalski’s addition is important for Indiana’s offensive line, where they have a solid foundation with returning starters Carter Smith, Drew Evans, and Bray Lynch. Michalski could replace the departing right tackle, Trey Wedig, and compete with Austin Barrett and Cooper Jones for playing time.
Throughout his career, Michalski has logged 260 snaps, mostly at left tackle, including a significant 158 snaps in 2024. He started in two games last season, but struggled with pass protection, allowing multiple pressures and sacks in those appearances.
Although Michalski didn’t secure a consistent starting role at Ohio State, playing primarily on special teams, his potential as a transfer aligns with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti’s trust in offensive line coach Bob Bostad, who has successfully developed transfers like Wedig and Evans.
