What Ryan Day Said About Ohio State Football’s Spring Game Format: Buckeye Breakfast
As Ohio State prepares for its annual spring football game, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what’s to come during the showcase event. The spring game is a crucial part of the college football offseason, providing an early look at how the Buckeyes are shaping up for the upcoming season. This year, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day recently addressed the format for the game, providing clarity on what fans can expect from the event. In his comments, Day discussed how the spring game would serve as an opportunity for the team to evaluate talent, test new systems, and provide a preview of the 2025 Buckeye squad.
At the Buckeye Breakfast, a gathering of Ohio State fans, alumni, and media members, Ryan Day shared his thoughts on the importance of the spring game and the unique structure the program is implementing. Let’s take a look at the key aspects of Day’s comments and what the format of Ohio State’s spring game could mean for the team.
Why the Spring Game Matters
Before diving into the details of the game’s format, it’s essential to understand why the spring game is so significant for both the program and the fans. The event provides an early look at the Buckeyes’ new roster and gives the coaching staff a chance to assess how players are progressing through spring practices. For Ohio State, the spring game is an opportunity to test out different lineups, evaluate talent, and make adjustments ahead of the summer months and fall camp.
Head coach Ryan Day highlighted the importance of this opportunity, especially for younger players who are vying for starting positions. The spring game allows them to showcase their skills in a live setting, giving Day and his coaching staff an initial read on who could step up for key roles in the upcoming season.
“Spring ball is the first chance we get to see how our players react under live conditions,” Day said at the Buckeye Breakfast. “The spring game is a great opportunity for us to evaluate everything—who can perform under the lights, who can handle the pressure of a crowd, and how well we can execute as a team. It’s a chance for us to get a glimpse of what we have going into the summer.”
The Format: Breaking Down the Changes
Each year, Ohio State tweaks the format of the spring game to ensure the event is valuable for both the players and the fans. This year, Day indicated that there would be some notable changes, especially in how the teams are divided and how the scoring system is structured. These changes are designed to make the event both competitive and informative for the coaching staff.
Team Split
In years past, Ohio State has typically divided the team into two groups, based on positions or randomly. This year, however, Day revealed that the format would be a little more experimental, with a focus on creating balance between both teams to showcase depth across the roster.
“We want to make sure that we put the players in situations that they’re going to see during the season,” Day explained. “That means mixing up the offense and defense a little more, and making sure that we have both teams loaded with talent. We’re not just looking to have a showcase game for our starters—we want to make sure our backups, especially the younger guys, get real experience as well.”
Day also emphasized the importance of giving players in key positions a chance to play alongside different units. This approach allows coaches to test out potential combinations for the fall season and evaluate how players mesh together under game-like conditions. The goal is to develop chemistry and make early evaluations of positional battles.
Modified Scoring System
Another element of the spring game that Day addressed was the modified scoring system. Historically, Ohio State’s spring games have had unique scoring formats, sometimes featuring points for specific performances or plays. This year, Day hinted that the team would adjust the scoring in a way that emphasizes competitive situations and forces teams to focus on areas of improvement.
“We’ve been working with the team to make sure the format forces competitive situations,” Day shared. “For example, we’re going to have some situations where the defense can score points and force turnovers. We’ll also have some situational football where the offense gets rewarded for moving the ball in crucial moments. It’s going to be more game-like in the sense that every play counts and players are being evaluated in real-time situations.”
This new scoring system will also incorporate elements like red-zone drills and two-minute offenses, which will test both offensive and defensive units under pressure. Day pointed out that it’s important for the players to get accustomed to these game-like scenarios ahead of the regular season, especially as Ohio State prepares for the intense competition of the Big Ten.
What to Watch For: Key Positions and Players
While the spring game is always a fan favorite, there are certain key position battles that will likely be of particular interest this year. With some key departures from the roster and younger players looking to step into prominent roles, Ohio State fans will be eager to see how these positional groups perform in the spring game.
Quarterback Battle
One of the biggest storylines going into this spring game will be the ongoing quarterback battle. Ohio State is coming off the departure of C.J. Stroud, who was a star under center for the Buckeyes, leaving a major void at the position. The Buckeyes have several talented quarterbacks on the roster, including Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Tristan Gebbia. Ryan Day has indicated that the competition at quarterback will be one of the most closely watched aspects of the spring game.
“This is a huge opportunity for all of our quarterbacks,” Day said. “They’ve been working hard all spring, and now they get a chance to compete in a game situation. We’ll be evaluating everything—accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. It’s important to see who can rise to the occasion.”
Fans can expect to see a rotation of quarterbacks in the spring game, with each player getting a chance to show what they can do with the offense. How the quarterbacks handle the pressure of the live environment will be a major storyline throughout the event.
Wide Receiver Depth
Another critical position to watch will be the wide receiver group. Ohio State has produced some of the top wideouts in the country over the past few seasons, and there are high expectations for this year’s group. With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leading the charge, Ohio State has one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the country. However, there are still questions about who will step up as the third option and provide depth.
“Wide receiver is one of those positions where we have a lot of talent, but we need to see who’s going to emerge as a reliable option behind Marvin and Emeka,” Day explained. “The spring game is going to be important for guys like Kyion Grayes, Brandon Innis, and Xavier Johnson to prove themselves and show that they can be counted on when the season starts.”
Defensive Line Depth
On the defensive side, Ohio State’s defensive line is expected to be one of the team’s strongest units, but depth is always a concern. With key players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer leading the charge, the Buckeyes need to develop more depth and solidify their rotational pieces. The spring game will give them a chance to see how well the backups handle the pressure and whether they can step up when needed.
“We’ve got some young guys on the defensive line who need experience,” Day noted. “The spring game is an opportunity to get a feel for how they handle live situations and how they play with the kind of intensity we need.”
Fan Engagement and Excitement
Ohio State’s spring game always draws significant fan attention, and Day knows how important it is to provide an engaging experience. This year, the event will feature fan-friendly activities, including interactions with players, opportunities to visit the team’s facilities, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
“We want to make sure the fans feel like they’re part of the process,” Day said. “The spring game is a time to engage with them, show them our progress, and get them excited for the season.”