The Ohio State football team’s spring scrimmage provided a glimpse of what the Buckeyes’ roster could look like for the upcoming season. With a mix of returning veterans and new faces, this scrimmage served as an important barometer for the team’s development, particularly at the quarterback position, where there has been much speculation about who will ultimately take the reins as the starter.
The Quarterback Battle: Lincoln Kienholz Impresses
One of the most compelling storylines going into the spring scrimmage was the quarterback competition. With C.J. Stroud off to the NFL, Ohio State has entered a new phase under center. The spring game allowed fans and coaches alike to get a sense of who might step up to take over the Buckeyes’ offense.
Lincoln Kienholz, the highly touted freshman from South Dakota, emerged as one of the biggest winners of the scrimmage. Coming in with a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm strength and athleticism, Kienholz showed that he was more than just a physical specimen. He was sharp in both his passing accuracy and decision-making, two crucial areas where the Buckeyes need consistency as they look to fill the shoes of Stroud.
Poised in the Pocket
One of Kienholz’s standout qualities during the scrimmage was his poise in the pocket. Despite the pressure of the situation—competing for the starting job in front of a crowd—he showed remarkable calmness and the ability to read the defense. On multiple occasions, Kienholz demonstrated an ability to progress through his reads quickly, making quick, decisive throws with precision.
His ability to stay cool under pressure allowed him to remain effective, even when the pocket collapsed. This is an important trait for any quarterback in the Big Ten, where opposing defenses often bring significant pressure.
Strong Arm and Accuracy
Kienholz’s arm strength was on full display during the scrimmage. He zipped the ball into tight windows, hitting receivers on deep routes and providing a perfect balance of power and accuracy on intermediate throws. His throws to the outside, particularly on out routes, were on point, showcasing his ability to lead receivers in stride.
What stood out most, however, was his ability to make all the throws in the playbook. Whether it was a deep post, a quick slant, or a check-down pass, Kienholz was consistent in his execution. This was particularly important for Ohio State’s offensive system, which relies on precision passing to set up big plays.
Mobility Adds Another Dimension
Beyond his passing, Kienholz also flashed his mobility, an asset that Ohio State fans are used to seeing from their quarterbacks. In the scrimmage, he used his legs to extend plays and avoid sacks, keeping his eyes downfield while looking for open targets. On one particular play, he broke contain, rolled to his right, and found a receiver on a back shoulder throw that was perfectly placed.
While Kienholz’s ability to run isn’t as polished as some of the more experienced quarterbacks, his natural ability to escape pressure and pick up yardage with his legs adds a dangerous dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense. Given the dynamic weapons Ohio State has at the skill positions, Kienholz’s dual-threat ability could be a game-changer.
Decision-Making and Leadership
While Kienholz’s physical tools were impressive, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of his performance was his decision-making. He showed an understanding of when to push the ball downfield and when to check it down, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. His leadership on the field was evident as he commanded the huddle with confidence and made quick adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
It’s clear that Kienholz is a student of the game, and his grasp of the offensive scheme seems to be ahead of schedule. This bodes well for Ohio State, as they will need a quarterback who can quickly adapt to the speed of the Big Ten.
Other Key Observations from the Scrimmage
While Kienholz certainly stole the show, the spring scrimmage provided valuable insights into other areas of the team as well. Here are some additional observations that could have significant implications for Ohio State’s upcoming season.
The Running Back Room: A Balanced Attack
One of Ohio State’s strengths over the past few seasons has been its deep and talented running back room, and the spring scrimmage did nothing to change that. The Buckeyes have a stable of capable backs who can contribute in a variety of ways. Among the standouts in the scrimmage was sophomore TreVeyon Henderson, who displayed both speed and vision on several explosive runs.
Henderson looks to be back to full health after dealing with injuries last season, and his ability to break off long runs is a key part of Ohio State’s offensive identity. In addition to Henderson, Miyan Williams also had a solid performance, showcasing his power and ability to pick up tough yardage between the tackles. Freshman Dallan Hayden also flashed some impressive skills, showing that he could be a viable contributor in the rotation.
The versatility of these backs will allow Ohio State to remain unpredictable in their play-calling. Whether it’s handing the ball off to set up the pass or using the running backs as a weapon in the passing game, the Buckeyes have options.
The Wide Receiver Group: Loaded with Talent
Ohio State’s wide receiver group remains one of the deepest in the nation, and that was evident during the spring scrimmage. With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leading the way, the Buckeyes’ wideouts were difficult to stop. Both players had standout moments, making contested catches and showcasing their ability to create separation.
Harrison, in particular, is poised to have a breakout season. He was virtually unguardable during the scrimmage, making a series of acrobatic catches and showing off his rare combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. Egbuka also impressed, flashing his quickness and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Beyond the top two, the Buckeyes also have a number of young receivers who could emerge as key contributors. The spring scrimmage offered an opportunity for some of the underclassmen to show what they can do, and there were flashes from guys like Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, both of whom could become valuable pieces in the offense.
Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback
The performance of the offensive line in the spring scrimmage was another area of focus. Protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong run game are always key components of Ohio State’s success. While the offensive line has some big shoes to fill with the loss of some key veterans, the unit showed that it is on the right track.
There were a few moments where the offensive line allowed pressure, but overall, the protection was solid. The line has the potential to be a strong one, especially with experienced players like Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones anchoring the trenches. The ability to protect the quarterback, especially with a young signal-caller like Kienholz, will be crucial for the offense’s success moving forward.
Defensive Line: Depth and Pressure
The defensive line for Ohio State looks as strong as ever, with a talented mix of veterans and young players ready to make an impact. In the spring scrimmage, the defensive front was able to generate pressure on the quarterbacks, particularly in passing situations.
J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Tyleik Williams are all poised for breakout seasons and had strong showings during the scrimmage. Tuimoloau, in particular, showed why he is considered one of the top pass-rushers in college football, consistently disrupting the pocket and putting pressure on the quarterbacks.
The depth on the defensive line will be a major asset for Ohio State this season, allowing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the field. With an improved pass rush, the Buckeyes’ defense could be among the nation’s best.
Secondary: Growing Pains
While the defensive line had a strong day, the secondary was a bit more inconsistent. With several new faces in the defensive backfield, Ohio State’s secondary showed some growing pains during the scrimmage. There were instances where the coverage was solid, but there were also a few blown assignments that allowed big plays.
That being said, the secondary has the potential to improve as the season progresses. The Buckeyes have a number of talented defensive backs, including Lathan Ransom and Denzel Burke, who will likely become more comfortable in the system as they gain experience.
The Ohio State football team’s spring scrimmage was an exciting and revealing event, offering insights into both the individual performances and the overall team dynamics heading into the new season. While the quarterback battle remains ongoing, Lincoln Kienholz showed that he is more than capable of leading the Buckeyes’ offense with poise, accuracy, and athleticism. The running back room, wide receiver group, and defensive line all demonstrated their depth and potential, while the secondary will need to continue its development.
As the team moves forward into the summer and prepares for the fall, Ohio State appears to be in a strong position to remain one of the top contenders in the Big Ten and on the national stage. With talented players like Kienholz, Harrison, and Tuimoloau leading the way, the Buckeyes are primed for another successful season.
