Spring practice is always a time of anticipation and uncertainty for college football programs, a period where teams are given a chance to build upon the previous season, experiment with new strategies, and develop young talent. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the premier programs in college football, the conclusion of spring practice on Saturday marks an important milestone as they prepare for the upcoming season. With a strong foundation already in place, spring practice has been crucial in fine-tuning key areas, evaluating talent, and addressing areas that need improvement.
As one of the most successful programs in college football history, Ohio State’s spring practices are watched closely by fans, analysts, and recruits alike. While spring football is a time for experimentation, it is also an opportunity for players to compete for positions and show they have what it takes to contribute to a national championship-caliber team. In this article, we’ll reflect on the most significant developments during Ohio State’s spring practice, highlighting key players, positional battles, and the overall direction of the team as they look toward the 2025 season.
Building Upon a Strong Foundation
Ohio State enters the 2025 season with a program that has established itself as a perennial national contender. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently been in the College Football Playoff conversation, and their success on the recruiting trail has helped solidify their position as one of the top programs in the country. This success, however, has not come without challenges. Each season, the Buckeyes must reload and adapt, replacing key players from the previous year’s roster while developing young talent.
Spring practice provides the opportunity for Day and his coaching staff to identify which players are ready to step into starting roles and which areas of the team need further development. The coaching staff’s approach to spring practice is designed to help players become comfortable in new roles, refine their skills, and build chemistry with teammates. It’s a critical part of the team’s overall development process, and as always, there are numerous storylines to watch as Ohio State moves toward the summer and fall camps.
Key Areas of Focus During Spring Practice
While there are always several areas of focus during spring practice, Ohio State’s coaching staff made it clear that there were specific goals for this year’s sessions. Here are some of the major areas of focus for the Buckeyes:
1. Quarterback Competition
One of the most closely watched storylines throughout Ohio State’s spring practice has been the quarterback competition. The Buckeyes lost star quarterback C.J. Stroud to the NFL Draft, leaving a void under center that needs to be filled. The spring practices have been a chance for quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown to battle it out for the starting job.
Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, has been with the program for a few seasons and has had limited playing time as Stroud’s backup. McCord is known for his strong arm, poise, and intelligence, but this spring presented his first real opportunity to take the reins of the offense. Meanwhile, Devin Brown, another highly touted quarterback, has a slightly different skill set, bringing mobility and playmaking ability with his legs in addition to his passing prowess.
Head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline have expressed that both quarterbacks showed flashes of brilliance throughout spring practices, but the competition is expected to continue throughout the summer and into fall camp. The coaching staff has been careful not to rush the decision, knowing that the right quarterback can be the difference-maker for a team aiming for a national title.
As the spring came to a close, McCord and Brown both demonstrated their ability to lead the offense, with McCord showing consistency and leadership and Brown showing off his playmaking ability. The final decision will ultimately come down to who can take command of the offense and elevate the team to the next level. Regardless of the outcome, the future of Ohio State’s quarterback position looks bright.
2. Wide Receiver Group Adjustments
The wide receiver room is always a critical area of focus for Ohio State, which is known for producing elite wideouts year after year. However, the Buckeyes had to replace several key playmakers in the passing game following the departure of star receivers such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the NFL.
Despite losing some high-end talent, Ohio State remains stacked at the receiver position with players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. However, with the new quarterbacks trying to establish chemistry, spring practice was a crucial time to get these playmakers on the same page.
Harrison, widely considered one of the top receivers in college football, has the potential to be a Heisman Trophy contender, and spring practices have only reinforced his elite status. Egbuka and Fleming have also had strong showings, and their continued growth is crucial to the Buckeyes’ offensive success. Additionally, players like Kaleb Brown and Jayden Ballard have been emerging as potential breakout stars, with coaches and teammates praising their work ethic and playmaking ability.
The wide receiver position is a position of depth for Ohio State, but spring practice showed that the team will need to continue developing its younger players and work on consistency in the passing game. As the team heads into summer workouts, continuing to build chemistry between the quarterbacks and wideouts will be key.
3. Defensive Backfield Development
While Ohio State’s offense has often been the focal point in recent seasons, the defense—particularly the secondary—has been a point of emphasis this spring. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has made it clear that improving the Buckeyes’ pass defense is a priority, especially after some struggles in the secondary in past seasons.
Ohio State’s defensive backfield features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, and spring practice allowed players to step into roles where they could prove they are ready for the challenge of competing in the Big Ten. Players like Jordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, and Ja’Had Carter have been among the standouts in the secondary, with Hancock showing an ability to lock down opposing receivers and Carter displaying his versatility as a safety.
Additionally, Ohio State brought in several highly ranked recruits and transfers to bolster the secondary. One of the key pieces in this group is freshman safety Malik Bryant, who impressed coaches during the spring with his ability to play both deep and in the box. The Buckeyes are also looking for continued improvement from players like Cameron Martinez, who has the potential to be a star in the secondary.
The key for Ohio State will be maintaining strong communication in the backfield, improving ball skills, and developing a more aggressive, attacking defense that can disrupt opposing quarterbacks. With Knowles’ defensive system continuing to evolve, the development of the defensive backfield will be essential in ensuring the Buckeyes can compete with the best offenses in the country.
4. Offensive Line Consistency
Ohio State’s offensive line has been a consistent strength of the team, but spring practice provided an opportunity to develop the younger players who will need to step up this season. The offensive line has to protect the quarterback, create holes for the running backs, and set the tone in the trenches.
This spring, the Buckeyes experimented with different line combinations to identify their best group moving forward. Key returning players like Paris Johnson Jr. and Donovan Jackson have anchored the line for the past few seasons, and their leadership will be critical as Ohio State looks to maintain its dominance in the trenches.
There were also promising performances from younger linemen, such as Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery, who are expected to play important roles in the 2025 season. While the offensive line was already one of Ohio State’s strong suits, the development of these young players will only enhance the team’s ability to impose its will on both sides of the ball.
What’s Next: Looking Toward Fall Camp
As spring practice comes to a close, Ohio State’s coaching staff and players will shift their focus to the summer, where strength and conditioning programs will ramp up and players will continue to hone their skills. The summer months are a crucial time for individual development, but also for team chemistry.
Ohio State’s schedule in 2025 will include tough tests in the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes will need to ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead. The quarterback battle, the development of the defense, and the consistency of the offensive line will be key factors in determining Ohio State’s success during the regular season.
Additionally, recruits and transfer portal players will continue to play a role in shaping the team’s roster for the fall. With Ohio State’s reputation as a national contender, the Buckeyes will continue to bring in top-tier talent, helping to fill in any gaps that remain as they head into the 2025 season.
