Ohio State football fans have plenty to look forward to as the Buckeyes kicked off spring practice on March 10, 2026. With media allowed in for the first five periods, there was a real sense of anticipation in the air.
We got a sneak peek at the team’s early prep for the new season. There were some interesting lineup choices and a few surprises, honestly.
Offensive Line Continuity
The first-team offensive line looked familiar. Even after that tough loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the group stayed the same.
- Austin Siereveld at left tackle
- Luke Montgomery at left guard
- Carson Hinzman at center
- Gabe Van Sickle at right guard
- Phillip Daniels at right tackle
Gabe Van Sickle stepped in for Tegra Tshabola, who left for Kentucky back in January. The staff seems to value keeping things steady as they get back to work at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Potential Changes on the Offensive Line
Still, there’s a chance things could shift. Ian Moore, who’s returning at tackle, or Joshua Padilla on the interior, could see their names called as spring rolls on.
Defensive Line Adjustments
On defense, there were a few notable moves. Russaw, who played linebacker at Alabama, was out there with the defensive linemen.
He joined the defensive ends for drills and the 11-on-11 period. Looks like his role might be changing a bit.
First-Team Defensive Ends
Beau Atkinson, a transfer from North Carolina, lined up with Kenyatta Jackson as the first-team defensive ends. If these two click, they could be a real problem for opposing offenses.
Wide Receiver Configuration
The first hour of practice gave us a look at the wide receivers, too. McCuin was one of the first-team guys, opposite Jeremiah Smith, with Brandon Inniss running in the slot.
McCuin played outside at UTSA, so he brings some flexibility to the group.
Other Wide Receiver Observations
Kyle Parker, who was a slot receiver at LSU, actually worked outside during drills. This kind of shuffling could give the Buckeyes more ways to attack.
First-Team Safeties
The safety spots had a few new faces as well. Leroy Roker III joined Jaylen McClain and Earl Little Jr. as first-teamers in the early 11-on-11 period.
Roker was a backup last year but looks ready for a bigger role. McClain—who used to line up with Caleb Downs—and Little, a Florida State transfer, rounded out the group.
Running Backs on the Mend
Running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West were limited, both coming off shoulder surgeries. Coach Ryan Day had said they’d probably miss spring, but seeing them out there, even in a small way, is encouraging.
Transfer Portal Impact
The transfer portal shook up the Buckeyes’ roster in a big way. Linebacker Ty Howard stands out—he was one of 30 scholarship players who entered the portal back in January.
But here’s the twist: Howard stuck around. He came to Ohio State from Duquesne last offseason and was out there for the start of spring practice, still on the roster.
The first spring practice gave a glimpse of how the Buckeyes are gearing up for the season. There’s a mix of familiar faces and possible changes in the lineup, so fans have reasons to be curious.
If you’re after more details and updates, check out the full article on the Dispatch.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
