Nick McLarty wins punting job at Ohio State

Ohio State is going all out with his punter, at least at the beginning of the season. Although it is not the most prominent competition in the Buckeyes' fall camp, the punter spot was still up for grabs in the last week of the preseason. On Thursday evening, head coach Ryan Day has given an update.

First semester Nick McLarty will begin 2024 as Scarlet and Gray's starting punter. McLarty won a competition against the sophomore Joe McGuireJunior Anthony Venneri, who transferred from Buffalo this offseason, and senior Hadi Jawad.

“Right now, Nick is the starter,” Day said of the battle. “This contest could go into next week, but this weekend he's the starter and the plan is for him to be the first punter on the field in the game against Akron.”

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McLarty, a 6'7″, 250lbs Melbourne native, recently took up football and trains at the Punt Factory and with former NFL punters Darren Bennett and Sav Rocca. Before switching to football, McLarty played Australian rules football. McLarty hoped to pursue a professional career in the sport, but an injury cut short his career. After recovering, McLarty turned his attention to American football and punting, which he worked on for over a year. Given his background, McLarty does not have official punting stats, but has posted videos on social media of several kicks going over 50 yards. including a punt over 90 yards that went over the stadium.

Despite his inexperience, McLarty has impressed in practice. His impressive leg was on display in fall camp, although he hasn't always been consistent with his punts. He's also settled into his new life in Columbus and the United States.

“He's got a strong leg,” Day said. “He's made the transition to country well, but also just playing football, rather than Australian rules football, which is very, very different. The snap-to-kick has really improved. That's been one thing. He's a bigger guy, so the ball has to come off his foot quicker. I think he's done that. His hang time has been good and he's been more consistent.”

“You'll see. He's going to shoot some balls that fly right out of the stadium. He's just got a strong, strong leg, so we're looking for that consistency. He's shown that here recently. So he's got the upper hand at the moment.”

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McLarty will be the fourth Australian punter to play for Ohio State. Cameron Johnston, Jesse Mirco and McGuire.