Seth McLaughlin


Seth McLaughlin is an American professional football center for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played college football for the Alabama [Crimson Tide football|Alabama Crimson Tide] and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Early life and high school

McLaughlin attended Buford [High School |Buford High School] in Buford, Georgia. He held offers from schools such as Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, and Florida State. McLaughlin was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

College career

Alabama

As a freshman in 2020, McLaughlin he played in two games. That season, he was part of Alabama's national championship run. In 2021, he took over as the team starting center in the Iron Bowl and started in the 2022 SEC Championship Games as one of his two starts on the year. In 2022, McLaughlin played in 11 games while making eight starts. He entered the 2023 season on the Rimington Award watchlist, awarded to the nation's best center. McLaughlin had issues with snapping the ball all season. This culminated during the 2024 Rose Bowl, in which McLaughlin struggled, making three bad snaps including on the final play of the game which resulted in quarterback Jalen Milroe being tackled short ending the game for the Crimson Tide as they lost to 2023 [Michigan Wolverines football team|Michigan]. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, McLaughlin entered the NCAA transfer portal.
In McLaughlin's career with the Crimson Tide he appeared in 35 games with 24 starts.

Ohio State

McLaughlin transferred to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. On November 19, 2024, McLaughlin ruptured his Achilles tendon in practice and missed the remainder of the season. As a Buckeye, McLaughlin won his second National Championship after Ohio State defeated 2024 [Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame] 34-23.

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

On May 9, 2025, Seth signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. He was the best available player not to be drafted in 2025 according to ESPN. On July 30, McLaughlin passed a physical and was cleared to practice. He had been on the Active/Non-Football Injury list since July 19 while recovering from the ruptured Achilles he suffered in November 2024 at Ohio State. McLaughlin was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.

Detroit Lions

On January 6, 2026, McLaughlin signed a reserve/future contract with the Detroit Lions.