What to know about the scrimmage and title celebration for Ohio State football’s 2025 spring game
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What to Know About the Scrimmage and Title Celebration for Ohio State Football’s 2025 Spring Game
The 2025 Ohio State Spring Game, set for Saturday, April 12 at noon ET inside the iconic Ohio Stadium, promises to be one of the most memorable in recent program history. Not only does the intrasquad scrimmage offer a tantalizing look at the future of the Buckeyes—fresh off a national championship—but it also doubles as a celebration of the team’s triumphant 2024 season. For Buckeye fans, this is more than just a game. It’s a coronation, a thank you, and a preview of what’s next.
Before diving into the X’s and O’s, it’s worth remembering exactly what Ohio State accomplished this past season. In a season marked by defensive dominance and quarterback composure, the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34–23 in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, claiming their first national title since 2014.
Led by head coach Ryan Day and powered by a stout defense that suffocated opponents in key moments, Ohio State not only met expectations but exceeded them. With the departure of numerous veterans to the NFL Draft, the spring game is the first opportunity for fans to see how Day and his coaching staff plan to reload.
As part of the festivities, the team will unveil their 2025 national championship rings in a pregame ceremony—a highlight that will be as emotional as it is historic. For players, staff, alumni, and fans alike, it’s a visual reminder of what all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice can bring.
Spring Game Format: Scarlet vs. Gray With a Twist
Ohio State’s 2025 spring game will feature a Scarlet (offense) vs. Gray (defense) format, continuing a tradition that has evolved under Day’s leadership. However, this year’s scrimmage carries some notable changes to reflect roster needs and injury precautions:
- Thud Tempo to Start: The first few series will be played at a “thud” tempo—meaning defenders will make contact but not tackle to the ground.
- Full Contact Thereafter: As the game progresses, most non-quarterback players will participate in full-contact sequences, allowing fans to see real football action.
- Quarterback Protection: As is standard in spring games, quarterbacks will wear black non-contact jerseys and will not be tackled.
- Points for Defense: With an offense vs. defense format, the defense will have a custom scoring system that rewards things like third-down stops, turnovers, and sacks.
This structure ensures a competitive environment while keeping health and safety top of mind.
Quarterback Battle Headlining the Scrimmage
The biggest on-field storyline entering the spring game? The quarterback competition. With 2024 starter Kyle McCord having declared for the NFL, all eyes now turn to the trio vying to lead the Buckeye offense:
Lincoln Kienholz
The third-year quarterback has spent the most time in the program and has shown steady development. Known for his arm strength and ability to read defenses, Kienholz enters the spring game as the favorite to start—at least for now.
Julian Sayin
A former five-star recruit and one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the 2024 class, Sayin is pushing hard for the top spot. After a year of learning the playbook and adjusting to the college game, Sayin is ready to show what he can do under the lights.
Tavien St. Clair
True freshman and early enrollee Tavien St. Clair brings elite arm talent and surprising poise for his age. While it’s unlikely he starts in Week 1, the spring game provides a chance to showcase his long-term potential.
Fans can expect each quarterback to get multiple drives as the coaching staff evaluates both decision-making and leadership ability.
Roster Storylines: Transfers and New Stars
Ohio State’s national championship roster was built on the back of strong recruiting and selective portal additions. As expected, the Buckeyes have reloaded in key areas through both means:
Running Backs
The backfield looks deep and dangerous heading into 2025. Sophomore James Peoples returns after an explosive freshman campaign, joined by Sam Williams-Dixon. The new face to watch is C.J. Donaldson, a physical and elusive transfer from West Virginia who could be the featured back come fall.
Offensive Line
Three starters return up front, anchoring a group that was dominant in last year’s title run. They’ve added Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa and Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels, giving the unit both experience and depth. Chemistry along the offensive line will be a key point of emphasis in Saturday’s scrimmage.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Ohio State, known for its elite wide receiver room, continues to impress. Carnell Tate is expected to be WR1 this season, with help from sophomore Brandon Inniss and early enrollee Jeremiah Smith, one of the most hyped wideouts in recent memory. Expect these three to put on a show.
At tight end, redshirt sophomore Bennett Christian and incoming freshman Max LeBlanc will rotate heavily due to injuries to other contributors.
Defensive Changes Under Matt Patricia
Perhaps the biggest off-field change is on the defensive side. Ohio State hired Matt Patricia—yes, that Matt Patricia—as its new defensive coordinator. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, Patricia is expected to bring NFL discipline and creativity to the Buckeyes’ already impressive unit.
He inherits a defense that was top-five nationally last year and returns leaders like:
- Jack Sawyer (DE) – Set to dominate the edge again in 2025.
- Sonny Styles (S/LB) – Patricia will use Styles in a hybrid STAR role, making him a disruptive force all over the field.
- Denzel Burke (CB) – Now a veteran, Burke will likely shadow top opposing receivers this fall.
Patricia’s system favors aggressiveness and complex coverages, and Saturday will offer a first glimpse of how quickly players are adapting.
National Title Ring Ceremony: A Moment for the Ages
Saturday’s spring game isn’t just about football—it’s about recognition. Ahead of kickoff, each member of the 2024-25 Ohio State Buckeyes will receive their national championship ring in a public ceremony that fans are already buzzing about.
Head coach Ryan Day called the moment “a testament to everything this team has worked for.”
“The ring is a symbol of more than just a win,” Day said. “It’s about brotherhood, accountability, sacrifice, and legacy.”
Expect emotions to run high during the pregame, especially for seniors and early NFL Draft entrants who won’t take the field again in scarlet and gray.
Fan Fest and Game-Day Experience
The university is pulling out all the stops to make the 2025 spring game a destination event:
- Buckeye Fan Fest begins at 9:30 a.m. outside the stadium and includes food trucks, live music, and interactive games.
- The Marching Band will perform both pregame and at halftime, with a celebratory theme tied to the national title.
- Alumni Appearances: Rumors are swirling that former Buckeyes like C.J. Stroud, Garrett Wilson, and even Chase Young could make appearances.
Tickets, Parking, and Broadcast Info
- General Admission: $8
- Reserved Seats: Starting at $20
- Club Level: $35
Ohio State students get in free with valid BuckID. Parking is complimentary and open to the public starting at 7 a.m. in most campus garages and lots.
Can’t make it to the ‘Shoe? No problem. The game will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network and simulcast on 97.1 The Fan radio. Fans can also follow along with live stats and updates on the official Ohio State athletics website.
A Glimpse into the Future
While the spring game is a celebration of the past, it also offers the Buckeye faithful a look ahead. Who will emerge as the starting quarterback? Can the defense transition smoothly under Matt Patricia? Will young stars like Jeremiah Smith and Tavien St. Clair validate their early hype?
No matter how these questions unfold, one thing is certain: Ohio State remains among the elite of college football, and Saturday’s game is a chance to both reflect and anticipate. For fans across Columbus and beyond, it’s a day of pride, nostalgia, and excitement.
White House Visit to Cap It All Off
Two days after the spring game, the Buckeyes will take their talents to Washington, D.C., where President Biden is set to welcome the team to the White House on April 14. It’s a tradition reserved for champions and a fitting exclamation point on what has been a storybook year for the program.
Ohio State’s 2025 spring game is more than a dress rehearsal for the fall—it’s a monument to everything the program has built. From honoring champions to evaluating future stars, this year’s edition has all the ingredients for something unforgettable.
As 100,000 fans file into Ohio Stadium to witness the ring ceremony, scrimmage, and fanfare, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes are not just defending a title—they’re reloading for another.
