RYAN DAY PRESS CONFERENCE

Head coach Ryan Day likes what he’s seeing from his retooled Ohio State Buckeyes football roster heading into the program’s April 18th spring game.

Speaking earlier in the day, Day highlighted several standouts, including Brock Boyd and Christian Alliegro, who have shed their black stripes—the transition from “newcomer” to official Buckeye  by proving their commitment, hard work, and talent on and off the field. The added contributions are already giving the Buckeyes “more depth across the board,” a development that could prove critical entering the 2026 season.

Coach Day looks to put that depth to the test the rest of spring. With the potential for a 16-plus-game schedule, teams with championship aspirations must rely on more than just frontline talent, and the Buckeye’s think they have it. Ohio State, which has welcomed more than 50 new players, faces the challenge of building cohesion quickly while maintaining its standard.

One key storyline this spring is the continued development of Heisman finalist Julian Sayin. The coaching staff is emphasizing his involvement in the run game—an element Day believes could be a difference-maker.

“It’s the X-factor,” Day said. “There are going to be opportunities for him to impact the game in that way, and it’s going to be important.”

The Buckeyes have eight practices remaining before taking the field at the Horseshoe one last time ahead of their September 5 home opener against Ball State.