The tradition continues in Columbus. Ohio State football, one of the sport’s most storied and consistent powerhouses, is opting to maintain its long-standing tradition by hosting its annual spring game on April 12. In an age where many programs across the country are shifting the format of their spring showcase to accommodate television, NIL-driven marketing opportunities, or closed-door scrimmages focused more on development than display, the Buckeyes are staying true to the roots of the event that fans have come to cherish.
This year’s spring game carries extra weight—not just for its role in evaluating the roster ahead of the 2025 season, but as a symbolic reaffirmation of what Ohio State football means to its massive fanbase. Buckeye Nation, which has long embraced the spring game as a rite of passage into a new season, is once again preparing to pack Ohio Stadium and usher in a new era, one that hopes to be marked by redemption and a return to the College Football Playoff.
For head coach Ryan Day, who enters the spring with heightened scrutiny following a third straight loss to Michigan and another postseason disappointment, the spring game is more than just a glorified scrimmage. It’s a chance to set the tone. It’s a public window into the state of the program, and Day is fully embracing the transparency that comes with it. While other schools such as Alabama and Georgia are dialing back media access and changing spring formats, Day is choosing to let his team take center stage.
And make no mistake—there is plenty to be intrigued about with this year’s Buckeyes. The quarterback position, always under the microscope in Columbus, will again dominate headlines. With Kyle McCord having transferred to Syracuse, and Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz returning with limited experience, all eyes are on newcomer Julian Sayin. The former five-star recruit and Alabama transfer arrives in Columbus with sky-high expectations and the poise to match. The spring game will provide Sayin with his first true test in front of a roaring Horseshoe crowd.
Of course, Sayin won’t be the only name worth watching. Ohio State’s spring game will be the first look at a retooled roster that boasts one of the most loaded defenses in the nation. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are back to lead a defensive front that’s deep, disruptive, and hungry. Behind them, linebackers CJ Hicks and Sonny Styles are expected to take on larger roles, while the secondary features experience and athleticism that could finally restore the “Best in America” reputation the unit once held.
Then there’s the return of Emeka Egbuka. The senior wideout’s decision to return for another season, alongside breakout star Carnell Tate and elite freshman Jeremiah Smith, gives Ohio State arguably the most dangerous receiving corps in the country—even without Marvin Harrison Jr., who is NFL-bound. Watching this group in action, even in a limited capacity, will offer fans a tantalizing preview of what could be a record-breaking offense in 2025.
But beyond the on-field storylines, the significance of the spring game lies in its accessibility. Ohio State continues to keep ticket prices affordable, with general admission set at just $7 and free entry for students and children under six. This inclusive approach allows families, casual fans, and die-hards alike to participate in the excitement. It transforms what might otherwise be a routine practice into a community celebration.
The Buckeyes’ decision to stick with the traditional spring game format—dividing the roster into two teams and playing four quarters with a running clock—serves both football and fanbase. It offers the coaching staff a genuine opportunity to evaluate players in a game-like environment, one that carries the pressure of performance but none of the consequences of a real result. It also allows young talent to emerge under the bright lights, an invaluable developmental tool for players who may be asked to contribute in the fall.
It also doubles as a recruiting spectacle. Recruits from across the country will descend on Columbus for the game, soaking in the atmosphere and seeing firsthand the passion that defines Ohio State football. For many prospects, the spring game is a decisive moment—a chance to envision themselves as part of something greater. The event’s consistency only strengthens its impact, as recruits know what to expect and can plan their visits accordingly.
What makes this year’s spring game even more special is the air of redemption surrounding the program. After falling short in the postseason and watching Michigan march to another Big Ten title, the Buckeyes enter 2025 with a chip on their shoulder. The return of several veteran players who could have declared for the NFL—Sawyer, Tuimoloau, Egbuka, Donovan Jackson—signals unfinished business. That tone will be on full display on April 12, where the blend of urgency and optimism is sure to charge the atmosphere.
The timing of the spring game also offers a unique opportunity for reflection. It comes just days after the NFL Draft, which will likely feature several Buckeyes hearing their names called early and often. While Marvin Harrison Jr. is the headliner, others like TreVeyon Henderson and Mike Hall Jr. are expected to be high picks. The success of these former players serves as both inspiration and motivation for the current roster. For fans, it’s a seamless transition—from celebrating Buckeyes moving on to the next level to welcoming the stars of tomorrow.
Ohio State’s insistence on preserving the traditional spring format stands in contrast to several of its peers. Programs like USC have opted for more controlled scrimmages. Others, like LSU and Oregon, have turned their spring showcases into media-heavy spectacles with player interviews, music, and entertainment at the center. While those formats serve a purpose and reflect changing trends, Ohio State’s approach is refreshingly pure. Football is still the focus. Competition still matters. And the connection between the team and the fans remains the beating heart of the event.
That’s not to say Ohio State is ignoring innovation. There will still be entertainment, music, and opportunities for fan interaction before and after the game. But inside the lines, the integrity of the football experience is preserved. That balance between evolution and tradition is part of what has made the Buckeyes such a consistent force for decades.
Another reason for the traditional approach is the depth of the roster. With so many returning starters and a loaded freshman class, there is a real benefit to having the team split into two evenly matched squads and seeing how they perform. It creates natural competition and gives every position group a chance to showcase itself. It also makes the game more entertaining for fans, as the action feels more authentic than a scripted practice.
And while the scoreboard won’t matter in the end, the stakes are still real. Players are competing for starting jobs, for spots on the travel roster, for the respect of their teammates and coaches. For younger players, the spring game is a launching pad. For veterans, it’s a statement. And for walk-ons and fringe contributors, it’s often the most visible stage they’ll ever have.
The anticipation around the April 12 game is already building. Fans are eager to see what the next chapter of Ohio State football looks like, especially in light of changes across the Big Ten. With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the conference, the road to a championship just got tougher. The spring game offers a first glimpse at how the Buckeyes plan to respond.
And then there’s the Michigan factor. The rivalry looms large over everything Ohio State does. After three straight losses to the Wolverines, every snap taken in the spring carries the weight of November. It may be months away, but the preparation starts now. The Buckeyes know that, and so do their fans.
April 12 is about football. But it’s also about tradition, connection, and momentum. It’s about seeing the future in real time and remembering why Ohio State football matters. It’s about coming together in a sea of scarlet and gray, singing “Carmen Ohio” and celebrating the shared hope that defines every new season.
For all the noise in college football—the transfer portal chaos, the NIL headlines, the coaching carousel—there’s still something sacred about a spring afternoon in Columbus, when the Buckeyes take the field and the Horseshoe comes alive.
No gimmicks. No distractions. Just football.
And that’s exactly how it should be.