COLUMBUS, Ohio – The anticipation is palpable as Ohio State fans gather at Ohio Stadium today for the much-anticipated 2025 spring game. Kicking off at noon ET, the Buckeyes will showcase their talents in a scrimmage that pits the Scarlet offense against the Gray defense, a tradition that allows fans to get an early glimpse of the team’s potential.
This year’s spring game comes on the heels of a triumphant season where the Buckeyes clinched their ninth national championship title, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Head coach Ryan Day, boasting an impressive 70-10 coaching record, leads a team that is eager to defend its title while navigating significant roster changes.
With a new season on the horizon, the Buckeyes have adapted to their new roles through 14 spring practices. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network, with streaming options available via DirecTV Stream and FuboTV, both offering free trials for new subscribers. Fans can also catch the action on Sling TV, albeit with a subscription package adjustment necessary to access the Big Ten Network.
The spotlight today will be on the quarterback battle between former five-star recruit Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz. Both players are vying for the starting role vacated by Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to their national title last season. "They’re pretty much neck-and-neck right now," Day commented, indicating that the competition is fierce and could extend into the summer.
Ohio State’s rushing attack will see a transformation this season, as TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins have both declared for the NFL Draft. In their absence, James Peoples, who recorded 197 yards and two touchdowns last season, will take center stage alongside West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson, who boasted 734 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a standout with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns last season, is expected to lead a talented group of receivers, including rising stars Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, and Mylan Graham. This depth will be crucial as the Buckeyes look to maintain their offensive prowess.
The defensive side of the ball has seen significant changes as well, notably with the hiring of Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator, replacing Jim Knowles who took a position at Penn State. Patricia, a three-time Super Bowl champion, will look to instill a new defensive strategy as the Buckeyes aim to fortify their defense. Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton has been promoted to co-defensive coordinator, while Brian Hartline steps into the role of offensive coordinator, a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence.
One of the key matchups to watch during the spring game will be the battle between Ohio State’s formidable wide receiver corps and their equally impressive cornerback group, featuring Davison Igbinosun and highly regarded freshmen like Devin Sanchez. This competition within the team promises to showcase the depth of talent across both sides of the ball.
The spring game will employ a modified scoring format. The offense will score points through traditional means—touchdowns (6 points) and field goals (3 points)—while the defense can earn points via touchdowns (6 points), turnovers (3 points), three-and-outs (3 points), sacks (2 points), and forced punts (1 point). The game is expected to last around two hours, with a running clock in the fourth quarter.
Ohio State will also use this opportunity to host top high school talent, with recruits like Tyler Atkinson and Blaine Bradford in attendance to witness the Buckeyes in action. The spring game serves as a crucial recruitment tool, showcasing the program’s commitment to developing young talent.
As fans prepare for the game, the weather forecast predicts a chilly 48 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a light breeze, making for a brisk but exciting atmosphere at Ohio Stadium. The game will be called by Guy Haberman, Yogi Roth, Jake Butt, and Tyvis Powell, ensuring that viewers will receive expert commentary throughout the event.
Ohio State’s upcoming schedule includes a challenging matchup against Texas on August 30, 2025, followed by games against Grambling, Ohio, and a trip to Washington. The Buckeyes are determined to build on their championship legacy and continue their dominance in college football.
With all eyes on the quarterback battle and the new faces emerging across the roster, the Ohio State spring game promises to be an exciting preview of what’s to come in the 2025 season. Fans are eager to see how the Buckeyes will adapt to their new roles and who will rise to the occasion as they aim to defend their national title.
