COLUMBUS, Ohio — With so many changes unfolding this season, Ohio State’s spring has been packed with compelling storylines.
Some of that intrigue was inevitable, especially with the Buckeyes set to break in a new starting quarterback for the fifth time under Ryan Day. Even though the coaching staff isn’t treating it like a full-blown competition just yet, any movement at that position naturally draws attention.
Position battles are popping up all over the field on both offense and defense. While spring isn’t when starting spots are officially locked in, it’s a key time for players to begin staking their claim ahead of fall camp.
As Ohio State enters its final four spring practices, which wrap up with Saturday’s Spring Game, several players have begun to stand out — though some positions still come with lingering questions.
Spring Standouts
Ohio State brings in five-star talent so frequently that some players can get lost in the shuffle — not because they lack ability, but because another highly touted name shows up around the same time.
Take Mylan Graham and Aaron Scott Jr. as examples. They’re following the standard five-star development arc. The difference? They’ve had to share the spotlight with headline-grabbers.
Graham arrived last summer, just as the “Jeremiah Smith Show” was already underway. Meanwhile, Scott quietly progressed behind the scenes, only to see Devin Sanchez arrive this spring with the polish of a day-one contributor.
But this spring has been a strong reminder: Graham and Scott aren’t lagging behind. Over the past few weeks, both have flashed enough to suggest that meaningful snaps could be coming sooner rather than later.
Can the Transfers Take the Next Step This Summer?
Ohio State has added six transfers this offseason, but so far, only Max Klare has shed his black stripe — a key early indicator of readiness in the program.
To be fair, most of these portal additions are making significant jumps in terms of competition compared to their previous programs. But they were brought in with the expectation of contributing immediately — and for a team with national title aspirations, that’s non-negotiable.
For players like CJ Donaldson, Ethan Onianwa, and Phillip Daniels, the post-spring period will be critical. What they do between now and fall camp could heavily influence how high this team’s ceiling truly is.
Will Larry Johnson Go Portal Hunting?
There’s a clear concern brewing on the interior defensive line — and it’s one that Ohio State may need to address with urgency.
Defensive line coach Larry Johnson structured the room to withstand the eventual departures of Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams. But the next wave of talent hasn’t quite proven it’s ready for the stage.
Urban Meyer used to say a player’s first two years are on the program — Year 3, it’s on the player. And by that standard, some third-year guys haven’t met the mark just yet.
OSU can’t afford to just hope that the depth behind Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald magically comes together over the summer. If there’s one spot on the roster screaming for portal help, it’s defensive tackle.
An Overlooked Gem
Is Austin Siereveld one of the most underrated pieces on this roster?
Ranked outside the top 300 in the 2023 class, Siereveld might’ve been viewed as a long-term project. But a closer look at his recruitment — choosing Ohio State over Alabama and Notre Dame — tells a different story.
Even as a freshman, he played a bigger role than most noticed. When Donovan Jackson was sidelined early last year, Siereveld stepped in. During OSU’s playoff run, he was the one trusted to rotate between left and right guard — a big ask for a first-year player.
Now, he’s being tasked with learning tackle. And based on what we saw during Saturday’s scrimmage, he’s handling it exceptionally well.
Add in the fact that he earned Iron Buckeye honors alongside Jeremiah Smith and Sonny Styles, and it’s time to stop overlooking him. Siereveld is more than just a future starter — he may already be one of the best offensive linemen in the country.
And come Aug. 31, the rest of the nation might find that out.
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