Ohio State launched spring football practice on Tuesday, delivering the first on-field action since the Cotton Bowl defeat. Observers viewed the opening hour and gained insights from head coach Ryan Day. The sessions build toward a public scrimmage in Ohio Stadium on April 18.
Notable Player Absences
Several key players participated in limited capacities during the session. Linebacker Riley Pettijohn, tight end Bennett Christian, and running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West wore gear but avoided contact or ball-handling drills. Day confirmed all four will sit out the remainder of spring workouts. Jackson and West previously underwent shoulder surgeries, though Day offered no details on Pettijohn’s or Christian’s conditions.
NFL Coordinators Signal New Era
Ohio State bolstered its staff with former NFL head coaches: Arthur Smith, who led the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023, as offensive coordinator, and Matt Patricia, ex-Detroit Lions head coach, on defense. Day, who stepped back from calling offensive plays in 2024, pursued these hires amid evolving college football dynamics, including unlimited on-field coaches, NIL deals, and revenue sharing.
These additions allow Day to focus on player relations, staff management, fundraising, and NIL efforts. “This allows me an opportunity to kind of step away and really dive into everything else and just be more present in the building with the players, the staff and certainly with the NIL stuff and raising money,” Day stated. “It’s a different mindset.”
The hires carry significant financial commitments—Patricia earned $2.5 million last year, with updated terms undisclosed—and reshape staff structure. While only 10 coaches can recruit off-campus, Smith and Patricia enhance daily operations. “I think the management of their staff on their side of the ball is critically important,” Day added. “It’s not the NFL, but it’s pretty close.”
Offensive Line Maintains Cotton Bowl Lineup
The first-team offensive line mirrored the Cotton Bowl starters: Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels at tackle, Luke Montgomery and Gabe VanSickle at guard, and Carson Hinzman at center. Day emphasized cross-training for versatility, though Siereveld focuses primarily at tackle. “Austin will mostly be at tackle, although we’ve seen him play guard before,” Day noted.
The unit represents Ohio State’s deepest ready-to-play group yet, despite Josh Padilla missing part of spring while shifting from center to guard.
Athletic Linebackers Impress
Five-star freshman Cincere Johnson, wearing No. 20 and standing 6-foot-3, 228 pounds, commands attention with his mature physique and agility. Despite yielding a red-zone touchdown, his potential as an early contributor and fan favorite shines through.
Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro flashed coverage skills, while returner Payton Pierce emerges as a leader. With projected early draft picks Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles departing, plus Pettijohn sidelined, the versatile group aligns well with Patricia’s schemes.
Quarterback Hierarchy Steady
Julian Sayin remains the starter, appearing more robust at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds after a year under strength coach Mickey Marotti. Tavien St. Clair handles backup duties, with Maryland transfer Justyn Martin in the third role. Sayin connected on a sharp red-zone touchdown pass to Nate Roberts.
Running Backs Face Youth Challenges
With Jackson and West out, freshmen Legend Bey and Favour Akih, redshirt freshman Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, and Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson (217 pounds) fill reps. Bey’s versatility suits receiver and backfield roles, while Ja’Kobi Jackson fits as a power runner.
Day flagged running back as the primary concern. “That’s a young group right there, so they got to really step up,” he said. “The first day, it was a little rough.”
New Wide Receivers Bring Depth
All-American Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss return as starters, but transfers and freshmen refresh the group post-Carnell Tate’s draft entry. “At wideout, we’re as deep there as we have been in a while,” Day said.
- LSU transfer Kyle Parker (5-foot-10) appears slot-ready.
- UTSA’s Devin McCuin, with 65 catches last season, worked outside alongside Smith and Inniss.
- Five-star freshman Chris Henry (6-foot-5) and Jerquaden Guilford project as immediate contributors, emphasizing yards after catch.
Tight End Nate Roberts Stands Out
Roberts dominated red-zone drills with precise routes and contested grabs. At 240 pounds, he transitions from fullback duties to primary tight end, validating Ohio State’s high school recruiting priority.
