With five spring practices already in the books, Ryan Day's squad returns to the field tomorrow for the first of 10 practices over the next three weeks culminating with the annual spring game on Saturday, April 18.
Over 50 new faces dot the 2026 roster following a glut of transfers in and out of the program while a host of key players from a season ago will be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Buckeyes also welcome a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, special teams coordinator Robby Discher and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton.
With all that movement, I'm curious which position group's current makeup intrigues you the most? I'm not even sure which one I'd select because there are so many spots up for grabs. I could easily make a case for the offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, safeties and maybe even the quarterback room.
Despite all the guys coming back, the offensive line is intriguing simply for learning whether any shuffling of the returning experienced guys might be needed to get the best five on the field. On the defensive line, I'm curious who evolves as the No. 2 and No. 3 defensive ends coming out spring practice behind Kenyatta Jackson Jr (Grady? Russaw?). Similarly, on the inside, how do James Smith and John Walker slot within incumbents Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr., among others?
At linebacker, Payton Pierce seems like a surefire starter but does Wisconsin Christian Alliegro win the weakside spot or does Riley Pettijohn further accelerate his growth? How often might OSU use three linebackers next year? Are pups TJ Alford and Cincere Johnson ready to contribute yet?
Day brought in some proven transfers to roam the secondary in Terry Moore and Earl Little Jr. How will those guys be deployed? Is Moore a sure bet to be elite again after his major injury? With Jaylen McClain back as a starter does that make Little Jr. the nickel? And it seems unwise to count out Leroy Roker III.
The wide receiver room is arguably as intriguing as any group. Yeah, Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss are but how does the top six shake out beyond those two? How will transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker fit in? Is Chris Henry Jr. ready to log heavy snaps as a true freshman? What about Jerquaden Guilford and others?
Finally, while the quarterback room is obviously settled with Julian Sayin starting and Tavian St. Clair backing him up but how will Sayin develop as it relates to slowing down his internal clock so he doesn't resort to dump offs or throwaways so quickly? Is he showing more feel for when to take off and run with the ball, and a willingness to do so? Will St. Clair get any meaningful snaps potentially as a designed run or QB sneak guy?
So yeah, that's a sampling of things to consider as you opine on the most intriguing position group as spring practice gets set to kick it up a notch.
