Eric Boggs
With spring camp behind them and a championship push ahead, the Ohio State Buckeyes are embracing the grind with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Head coach Ryan Day spoke at length about the program’s progress, culture, and upcoming challenges—offering insight into both the recent NFL Draft success and the ongoing quarterback competition that will define the summer.
Tying a program record with 14 players selected in the NFL Draft, Day celebrated not only the quantity but the quality of Buckeye draftees. “It’s easy to get into the NFL; it’s hard to stay,” Day said. NFL teams praised Ohio State athletes for their football IQ and love for the game, a testament to a culture Day has painstakingly cultivated. “If we have to talk you into coming to Ohio State, this isn’t the right place for you,” he added.
The Buckeyes’ draft success came even as some, like center Seth McLaughlin, went undrafted due to injury concerns. Day, though, remains proud of where all his players landed, emphasizing fit over flash.
Beyond the draft, the team’s focus has shifted firmly to the summer—where internal development, roster management, and leadership will shape Ohio State’s 2025 title hopes. “There’s a correlation between the summer and how you play on the field,” Day said. He’s urging players to take a brief mental break before locking in. “Once August hits, it’s got to be a great camp because of our first opponent.”
With the expanded College Football Playoff format now in place, Day and his staff are adjusting player management accordingly. That included strategic rest late in the season for players like Tyleik Williams, a move Day admits may have impacted postseason performance but was necessary for long-term health.
One area of clear concern is the defensive line. With returning contributors like Kenyatta Jackson and newcomers such as Beau Atkinson and Logan George, Ohio State boasts 18 players in the rotation. “Our job is to find what they do best and coach them to that,” Day said, highlighting both depth and adaptability. Atkinson in particular, has connected quickly with Larry Johnson and Matt Patricia, signaling a high-upside addition heading into summer.
C.J. Hicks is another standout on defense, praised for his edge-setting ability and growth in the run game. “It’s going to have to be a big summer for him,” Day said.
The offense is also developing exciting dimensions. A deep and diverse running back room features veterans like James Peoples and promising freshmen Bo Jackson and Sam Williams-Dixon. Day’s tight end group is deeper than ever, and receiver room flexibility gives the Buckeyes multiple weapons heading into fall.
The offensive line battle continues, especially at right tackle, where players like Austin Siereveld and Phil Daniels are competing. Day applauded Daniels’ growth in pass protection and emphasized how daily competition with the defensive line is accelerating development across both units.
Meanwhile, the quarterback battle remains the headline storyline. Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin both impressed during spring practices and the spring game, but Day made it clear: “It’s completely 50-50 right now.” While Tavien St. Clair shows long-term potential, the current race is between Kienholz and Sayin. “They handled the huddle well,” Day said. “That was a step in the right direction.” More live reps and summer refinement will be critical.
Day emphasized the importance of in-game experience for quarterback development, underscoring that the team made signal-callers “live” this spring for precisely that reason. “There’s nothing like real reps,” he said.
New additions to the coaching staff are also drawing rave reviews. Both Matt Patricia and Tyler Bowen have made strong early impressions with players and recruits alike, blending their NFL pedigrees with the Buckeye standard. “The feedback I got on both of those guys was excellent,” Day noted.
Roster management continues to be a delicate balancing act, especially with uncertainty around the 105-man cap. While Ohio State didn’t lose any scholarship players this spring, a few walk-ons have moved on. “I didn’t want to look a guy in the eye and tell him he didn’t have a spot without giving him a chance to explore options,” Day said, pointing to his commitment to transparency.
Leadership development remains a pillar. Day plans to introduce a new leadership-oriented book to help emerging voices in the locker room take charge this summer. “Guys who weren’t in leadership roles last year need to carry the water now,” he explained.
With players like freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith already earning elite status—becoming the first-ever freshman Iron Buckeye—the tone is set. High expectations aren’t just tradition in Columbus—they’re the standard. And this summer, as Day made clear, will define whether the Buckeyes are ready to meet it.
