Ohio State Spring Game 2025: New Faces, New Rings, and Big Expectations

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been synonymous with excellence in college football, and the 2025 spring game provided a fresh opportunity to witness both the continuation of that legacy and the emergence of new talent. As Ohio Stadium—affectionately known as “the Shoe”—opened its doors to over 40,000 fans, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. With the Buckeyes fresh off a national championship victory, the spring game not only served as a warm-up for the 2025 season but also a chance for Ohio State to showcase its new recruits, returners, and the latest hardware.

A Celebration of Recent Success

The 2025 spring game didn’t just celebrate the future of Ohio State football; it also marked a moment to bask in the glory of the team’s recent success. The Buckeyes had come off a national championship win, adding another jewel to their storied program history. As fans streamed into the stadium, the energy was not only electric but full of pride. The team’s recent victory was a theme that ran through the day, with banners showcasing their triumphs adorning the stadium. The feeling of camaraderie and shared achievement between players, coaches, and fans was palpable.

New Faces Under the Spotlight

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2025 spring game was the presence of a new generation of players eager to step into the spotlight. With several key players leaving for the NFL, including some former stars who helped lead the Buckeyes to their championship victory, the spring game allowed for new faces to be seen in action.

• Julian Sayin: The highly anticipated quarterback recruit came into the spring game as one of the most watched players. With a cannon of an arm and the poise of an upperclassman, Sayin’s performance was closely analyzed by fans and analysts alike. His crisp throws to veteran receivers and his ability to quickly read the defense were highlights of the game. Though he still faces competition, Sayin showed that he has what it takes to lead the Buckeyes into the future.
• Tavien St. Clair: Another exciting freshman quarterback, St. Clair’s dynamic playstyle stood out during the spring game. He demonstrated his ability to make plays on the move, showing a comfort with both his legs and his arm. His competitive nature was evident as he threw a spectacular deep ball to fellow freshman receiver, Mylan Graham, which resulted in a 50-yard touchdown. St. Clair’s performance solidified him as a potential future star.
• Mylan Graham: The sophomore wide receiver had an outstanding spring game, making several highlight-reel catches. His chemistry with both quarterbacks was undeniable, and his ability to separate from defenders showed the versatility of Ohio State’s receiving corps. Known for his explosive speed and strong hands, Graham is poised to become one of the top wideouts in the Big Ten in the coming seasons.
• Max Klare: The tight end position has been a focal point for Ohio State, and Klare took full advantage of his opportunity during the spring game. His agility, combined with his size, made him an excellent target in the red zone. Klare caught a touchdown pass that turned heads, and his ability to create mismatches with defenders made him a key player to watch moving forward.

Quarterback Battle: An Ongoing Drama

While Julian Sayin received much of the attention, the quarterback position remains an open competition. Lincoln Kienholz, a talented transfer from a rival Big Ten school, also had an impressive spring game. Kienholz displayed his sharp decision-making and poise under pressure, throwing accurate passes and showing great chemistry with the wide receivers. Though Kienholz is not a stranger to playing in big games, his performance during this spring game illustrated his readiness for the Buckeyes’ offense.

The most significant takeaway, however, was that the competition for the starting job in 2025 is far from settled. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Head Coach Ryan Day, will likely take the upcoming fall camp to further evaluate all three quarterbacks before making a final decision. The Buckeyes have long been a program that emphasizes the quarterback position, and with the talent on the roster, it will be interesting to see which player emerges as the leader heading into the season.

Fresh Faces on Defense

Ohio State’s defense was another area of intrigue during the 2025 spring game. After a dominant season, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has worked to refresh the defensive unit. With multiple new faces joining the defense, the spring game provided an opportunity to see how they would adjust to the competitive Ohio State system.

• Devin Sanchez: A freshman cornerback who impressed during the game, Sanchez demonstrated both speed and ball skills. He had a key interception off a tipped pass, which demonstrated his ability to capitalize on mistakes and make critical plays. Sanchez has shown great potential and could be an asset to Ohio State’s secondary in the upcoming season.
• Jalil Cooks: A sophomore linebacker, Cooks was everywhere on the field, making tackles and providing leadership. His ability to read plays and execute tackles in the open field stood out, and he looks set to become a major contributor in the Buckeyes’ defense. Cooks’ development will be key in maintaining Ohio State’s defensive prowess in 2025.
• Kenny Ricks: Ricks was another player whose stock rose during the spring game. As a highly touted recruit, the defensive lineman showed his explosiveness off the line and his ability to disrupt the opposing offense. If Ricks can develop further, he could be a cornerstone for the defensive line for years to come.

The Return of the National Championship Rings

One of the most exciting parts of the 2025 spring game was the ceremony that followed, during which the players who were part of the national championship-winning team received their rings. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Coach Day, presented the players with their long-awaited hardware.

The ceremony took place at midfield, and as each player came forward to receive their ring, the crowd erupted in applause. This moment not only celebrated the team’s success but also reaffirmed the commitment of everyone involved—from the coaching staff to the players and their families. The championship rings serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made and the victories earned by the team, but for Ohio State, it’s also a call to action for the next season.

As the team walked off the field, the message was clear: Ohio State football is always evolving, always improving, and always striving for more. With a new class of recruits, some fresh faces, and the addition of a national championship ring to the locker room, the future is bright for Ohio State as they head into another exciting season.

The 2025 Ohio State Spring Game was an event filled with hope, promise, and excitement. New faces, fresh talent, and the enthusiasm of returning national champions filled the air. With the future of Ohio State football in full display, fans left the stadium feeling confident that the team would continue its legacy of success. From the impressive performances of young quarterbacks and wide receivers to the standouts on defense, it was clear that Ohio State is primed for another run at a national title.

For the fans, the spring game was more than just a scrimmage. It was a celebration of where Ohio State has been and where it’s going—a program that is always looking to the future, always striving for greatness, and always determined to win. The energy surrounding the team is infectious, and as the season approaches, the Buckeyes have every reason to believe that their best days are ahead.