Questions Abound as New-Look Ohio State Football Team Gets Ready for Spring Practice

As the Ohio State football team approaches its spring practice sessions, excitement and curiosity run high. The Buckeyes, a perennial powerhouse in college football, have experienced significant changes over the offseason, leading to numerous questions surrounding the team. Whether it’s new faces on the coaching staff, potential changes to key positions, or the overall direction of the program, spring practice will be pivotal in shaping the 2025 season.

Spring practice is always a time for teams to experiment, evaluate talent, and implement new strategies. For Ohio State, 2025 will be a crucial year as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing end to their 2024 season and make a serious run at the College Football Playoff (CFP). With a new-look roster, a revamped coaching staff, and some major leadership voids to fill, the Buckeyes have plenty of questions that will need answering over the course of the next several months.

Changes on the Coaching Staff: A New Era in Columbus

Perhaps the most significant change for Ohio State comes on the coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Day, now in his sixth season at the helm, will have to adjust to a few new faces on his coaching staff. One of the biggest moves came in the form of a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Knowles departed after a few years in Columbus.

The hiring of a new defensive coordinator is always a noteworthy event, as it can dramatically alter the team’s defensive philosophy. Ohio State’s defense has been one of the key points of emphasis during Day’s tenure, and while they’ve made strides in recent years, they still haven’t reached the level of dominance that has become expected in Columbus. With a new defensive mind coming in, there will be a sense of intrigue as fans and analysts alike try to figure out how the Buckeyes will evolve defensively.

Offensively, Day will continue to oversee the development of Ohio State’s high-powered attack, but he will need to address some of the personnel losses and ensure that new players step up. The transition to a new offensive line coach could also lead to adjustments in the team’s blocking schemes, which is critical for a program that prides itself on its ability to run the football and protect its quarterback.

The Quarterback Question: Who Will Lead the Offense?

Ohio State enters spring practice with a significant question at quarterback. After the departure of C.J. Stroud, one of the best quarterbacks in recent history at the university, the Buckeyes are looking for a new leader behind center. The quarterback competition will be one of the focal points of spring practice, as the coaching staff evaluates which player will be the most capable of leading this talented roster.

The leading candidates in the race for the starting job are redshirt sophomore Kyle McCord and highly touted freshman Devin Brown. McCord has had some experience as a backup to Stroud, and many fans believe he is poised to take over the starting role. However, Brown, a top recruit in the 2025 class, will undoubtedly be looking to prove himself and make a case for starting as a true freshman.

What makes this quarterback battle even more intriguing is the contrast between the two players. McCord has a more traditional pocket-passer skill set, while Brown is known for his dual-threat ability and athleticism. Both players bring unique strengths to the table, but neither has been able to prove themselves as the definitive answer at quarterback just yet.

During spring practice, the coaching staff will closely monitor McCord and Brown, looking for which player demonstrates the best leadership, decision-making, and ability to execute the offense at a high level. The team will also experiment with different offensive schemes to see which quarterback thrives under varying circumstances. With the high expectations surrounding the program, finding the right quarterback will be one of the most important tasks heading into the 2025 season.

Wide Receiver Depth: Can the Buckeyes Replace the Star Power?

Ohio State has been fortunate in recent years to have some of the best wide receivers in the country. The likes of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have all had incredible careers with the Buckeyes, but those players have all moved on to the NFL. In 2025, Ohio State will need to replace that star power with new faces who can step up and contribute at a high level.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Ohio State wide receiver room is the development of junior Marvin Harrison Jr. Widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in college football, Harrison has the potential to become one of the best players in the country. However, with defenses now fully aware of his skill set, the Buckeyes will need to find other playmakers who can help take the pressure off of Harrison.

In addition to Harrison, there are several other talented receivers who will look to emerge this spring. Players like Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, and Jaden Ballard have all shown flashes of potential but need to prove that they can consistently produce at a high level. Spring practice will provide an opportunity for these players to develop chemistry with the new quarterback and establish themselves as reliable targets in the passing game.

The Running Back Position: Who Will Step Up?

Another area of focus for Ohio State in spring practice will be the running back position. The Buckeyes have been known for their ability to produce high-level running backs, with players like J.K. Dobbins, Master Teague, and TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge in recent years. However, after Henderson declared for the NFL draft, Ohio State is in need of a new feature back who can carry the workload.

There are a few potential candidates who could fill the void. Redshirt freshman Dallan Hayden showed flashes of brilliance in limited action during the 2024 season and could be poised for a breakout year. Additionally, transfer running back Miyan Williams could provide some stability and leadership in the backfield, bringing experience from his previous stops. Ohio State also has a few talented incoming freshmen who will look to make an impact early on, potentially challenging for playing time.

As with the quarterback position, the running back battle will be one to watch closely during spring practice. Ohio State’s offensive success often hinges on the ability to establish the run game, and finding a reliable, explosive back will be crucial to their success in 2025.

Offensive Line: Rebuilding After Key Losses

The Ohio State offensive line has been one of the program’s most consistent units in recent years, but they will face significant challenges heading into the 2025 season. The departure of several key players to the NFL, including All-American Paris Johnson Jr., leaves the Buckeyes with some big shoes to fill along the line. The offensive line will be a major area of concern for the coaching staff as they evaluate players and attempt to rebuild the line for the upcoming season.

There are a few returning veterans, such as Dawand Jones and Matthew Jones, who will provide leadership and experience. However, the team will also need to rely on younger players who have yet to prove themselves on the big stage. Spring practice will be a critical time for these players to develop and earn their spot in the starting rotation.

Ohio State’s success on offense is directly tied to the effectiveness of its offensive line. A strong offensive line can open up holes for the running game and provide the quarterback with the necessary time to survey the field and make plays. If the offensive line can gel and develop into a dominant unit, it will go a long way toward helping the Buckeyes reach their goals in 2025.

Defensive Line: Reloading with Talent

While Ohio State’s offense gets much of the attention, the defense is equally important for the Buckeyes’ success. In particular, the defensive line has been a hallmark of the program for years. The departure of several key contributors to the NFL, including defensive tackle Jerron Cage and edge rusher Zach Harrison, leaves Ohio State with some holes to fill along the line.

Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class and several talented returning players who can step up and take on bigger roles in 2025. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, who showed flashes of dominance as a freshman, will be expected to become one of the anchors of the defensive line. On the edge, players like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have the potential to be game-changers and disrupt opposing offenses on a regular basis.

Spring practice will be a critical time for these players to develop their skills, build chemistry, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Ohio State has consistently produced elite pass rushers, and the 2025 season will be no different if they can continue to develop their defensive line.

Secondary: A Youthful Group with a Lot to Prove

Ohio State’s secondary will also undergo significant changes in 2025, as several key players from previous seasons have moved on. While the Buckeyes have recruited well in recent years and have a strong pool of talent, many of the players in the secondary will be inexperienced at the collegiate level.

The coaching staff will have to work closely with players like cornerback Jordan Hancock and safety Sonny Styles, who have the potential to develop into standout players. However, they will need to show consistency and prove that they can handle the challenges of competing in the Big Ten and against top-tier opponents.

The secondary will be a major focal point of spring practice, as Ohio State needs to find players who can lock down opposing receivers and provide support against the run. With a dynamic and explosive offense, the Buckeyes need their defense to complement their offensive firepower and help lead the team to victory.

Special Teams: Stability or Change?

Special teams may not always garner the same attention as the offense and defense, but they are critical to the success of any team. Ohio State will have some question marks in special teams heading into spring practice, particularly at kicker and punter. The departure of reliable kicker Noah Ruggles means that there will be a battle for the starting job, and spring practice will give these players a chance to showcase their abilities.

Additionally, Ohio State will need to find reliable return specialists to provide a spark in the return game. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and the Buckeyes will need to ensure they are solid in all aspects of the game.

 An Exciting and Uncertain Time for Ohio State Football

As Ohio State prepares for spring practice, there are more questions than answers. With a new-look roster, a revamped coaching staff, and several key personnel changes, the 2025 season will be a time of transition for the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State has a long history of success and the talent to compete at the highest level. How well they handle these questions and challenges during spring practice will play a major role in shaping the future of the program.

For the Buckeyes, spring practice represents an opportunity to develop young players, build team chemistry, and lay the groundwork for a successful 2025 season. While there is much to be determined, the excitement surrounding the team’s potential is undeniable. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ohio State as they attempt to answer the questions that will define their success in the coming year.