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5 Questions Facing Ohio State After Spring Ball

Ohio State eyes a repeat title run, but key questions loom after spring football ends

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By Patrick Weider

Ohio State wrapped up spring ball a few weeks ago and probably feel great about their roster and where they stand. They still lost most of their players from last season’s National Championship team, so they will have eight new starters on defense and five new starters on offense. Below are five questions facing Ohio State after spring ball. 

1. Do they have enough depth at defensive tackle? 

Ohio State feels good about its starting defensive tackles in Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston, but the depth behind them is a concern. Tywone Malone Jr., Will Smith Jr. and Jason Moore are looking to back up McDonald and Houston. The concern is that all three players have not shown an ability to play at a high level. If Ohio State gets an injury to McDonald or Houston, they could be in trouble at the defensive tackle position. This is why Ohio State went heavy for defensive tackles in the spring transfer portal, but unfortunately for them, they did not land any players. 

2. Who will be Ohio State’s starting quarterback? 

Nothing new to report on the quarterback position, but it is still Julian Sayin vs. Lincoln Kienholz for the quarterback position. Ohio State opens against Texas in week one, so fairly early in fall camp, they need to pick a starting quarterback to give themselves a good chance at winning. I still contend that it is Sayin’s job to lose, but Keinholz has made it a closer competition than I even expected.

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3. How will Brian Hartline, Matt Patricia do? 

Brian Hartline is not a new coach at Ohio State, but he has a new position as he is the lead play caller and offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. He has never called plays before, so it will be a big season for Hartline. Now he has Ryan Day with him to help him, but Hartline handling it by himself will be a huge storyline this season. Day turned himself into a CEO-type of head coach, but can he sustain it after losing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to the NFL? The other new coaching addition is Patricia, who was hired in the offseason as the new defensive coordinator. How he will jell with the Buckeyes coaching staff and players will be fascinating to watch. Losing eight starters on the defensive side of the ball is not ideal for Patricia in his first year, but he still has a talented roster of players to pick from. 

4. How good could this offensive line be for the Buckeyes? 

The Ohio State offensive line appears to have gone from a weakness a few years ago to a strength now. They bring back several interior offensive lineman starters with Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tshabola and Austin Siereveld. Siereveld has also been playing both offensive tackle positions, as he has shown his versatility. Then you add in offensive tackle transfer Ethan Onianwa, who appears set at the left tackle position, and you’ve got the makings of a good offensive line. Plus, Phillip Daniels projects as a starter at right tackle or as a key backup. For the first time in a long time, Ohio State looks like they have quality depth along the offensive line.

5. Can Ryan Day finally beat Michigan? 

Alright, I couldn’t resist. Last year Ohio State went from the low of losing to Michigan to then rebounding to win the national championship. Next up for Day is beating his arch rival. He has lost to Michigan four straight times, even though he won a national championship, the fan base is clamoring for a win over the dreaded “Team Up North.” Largely, this will define the 2025 season for the Buckeyes. Plus, can they repeat and win the national title? With the season months away, it is important to ask this question. We will find out at the end of November if Day has learned from his mistakes and can beat Michigan. 

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