Change is in the air as Ohio State opens spring practice
© Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
What a season it was for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a crushing loss to rival Michigan, Ohio State tore through the newly expanded College Football Playoff, dismantling Tennessee, avenging its loss to Oregon, defeating Texas and ultimately handling Notre Dame to win the national championship.
The celebration in Columbus was in full swing on the night of the title victory. But in college football, things change quickly.
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Almost immediately, the Buckeyes faced major staff departures. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles announced he was leaving for Penn State, setting up an intriguing Nov. 1 matchup this coming season.
Days later, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly accepted the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders after just one season in Columbus. Meanwhile, offensive line coach Justin Frye, often criticized by fans, took the same position with the Arizona Cardinals.
On offense, head coach Ryan Day opted for in-house promotions. Superstar recruiter and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was elevated to offensive coordinator, while tight ends coach Keenan Bailey was promoted to co-offensive coordinator. Both will continue coaching their respective position groups.
Defensively, Day made a bold move, hiring veteran NFL coach Matt Patricia to lead the unit. The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Patricia, who spent last season out of coaching, has not worked in college football since 2003. While his football acumen is widely respected, adapting to the modern college game will be his biggest challenge.
The Buckeyes continue to recruit at an elite level, regularly finishing in the top five of the Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings. That trend is expected to continue, but a familiar debate lingers: How much does Ohio State prioritize in-state talent versus national prospects?
For the 2026 recruiting class, the Buckeyes currently have five commitments, three of whom are from Ohio. However, the focus has been on top in-state prospects choosing to leave.
Four-star prospects Kaden Gebhardt, Adam Guthrie, Victor Singleton and Cam Thomas have all committed elsewhere. Three-star offensive linemen Ben Congdon and Will Conroy are also headed to other programs.
Perhaps most concerning, five-star cornerback Elbert Hill did not include Ohio State in his initial list of official visits.
The new staff members will have their recruiting chops tested immediately. The Buckeyes will undoubtedly secure their share of blue-chip talent, but the trend of in-state stars leaving remains a sore spot for the fan base.
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As spring football begins in Columbus, a new wave of talent is set to emerge.
Quarterback Julian Sayin enters as the expected starter, surrounded by a deep group of playmakers, including star receiver Jeremiah Smith. In the backfield, James Peoples and transfer CJ Donaldson are poised to form a formidable one-two punch.
Defensively, several former blue-chip recruits will step into bigger roles, but the biggest name returning is safety Caleb Downs, who could be the best defender in the country.
With plenty of new faces and moving parts, Ohio State's title defense will be tested early. The Buckeyes will get an immediate challenge when Texas comes to Columbus on Aug. 30.
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