Ohio State Football's four question marks for Spring football
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Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes will officially begin spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 10. After a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign, where Ohio State dropped back-to-back games, falling to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and then to Miami in the CFP quarterfinals in Dallas, there is plenty to sort through.
So before spring practice officially opens next Tuesday, what are the biggest question marks on this roster?
With a new offensive coordinator and significant roster turnover, there are more than a few. As spring practice looms, here are the four biggest question marks heading into the spring for the Buckeyes.
Can DC Matt Patricia deliver another No. 1 defense?
Coming into last season, many Ohio State fans had reservations about Matt Patricia and the defense after losing proven starters like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Cody Simon, safety Lathan Ransom, defensive end Jack Sawyer, and cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Denzel Burke. However, Patricia stepped in and transformed the unit into the best defense in the nation while developing players like Arvell Reese and Caden Curry into monsters.
Now he is dealing with turnover again. The Buckeyes were aggressive in the portal, bringing in veteran defensive talent to offset losses such as Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald. That does not automatically mean the defense will once again be the best in America, but it is a positive that Ryan Day and the staff invested heavily in proven replacements.
It will not be easy, especially with a daunting 2026 schedule, but can Patricia coach this unit up to be special again? We will find out soon enough.
Who emerges as WR2 alongside Jeremiah Smith?
Carnell Tate’s chapter in Columbus is closed as he heads to the NFL and is likely a top ten pick in April. Jeremiah Smith likely has one year left at Ohio State, as does Brandon Inniss. For years, wide receiver has been the program’s strongest position group, but with Brian Hartline now at USF, there could be a changing of the guard.
Ohio State has to maximize Jeremiah Smith in 2026 and be strong around him to create more opportunities for the best wide receiver and perhaps the best player in college football.
The Buckeyes brought in two notable transfer wideouts in UTSA’s Devin McCuin and LSU’s Kyle Parker, both legitimate speed threats. Either could challenge for the open Z receiver spot after Tate’s departure. It will not come easy, though. Incoming freshmen Chris Henry Jr., a five-star and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 class, and Jerquan Guilford, a four-star and No. 12 wide receiver in the class, are pushing for immediate playing time.
These spring battles will be telling in determining who ultimately starts at Z. Inniss likely has the slot role locked down after posting 36 catches and three touchdowns last season, but any of the other four names could push for more reps. It is a unique group alongside Smith, and someone will have to rise to the occasion and be the Robin to his Batman in 2026.
Can the tight end become a real weapon this year?
Ohio State has not seriously featured the tight end in the passing game in a long time. In 2022, Cade Stover totaled 36 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns, the most productive season by a Buckeye tight end in nearly three decades. That simply has not been a true focal point of the offense.
Even though Max Klare posted 43 catches for 448 yards in 2025, the production felt hollow at times. He was rarely a difference maker in the biggest moments, and much of his yardage came in blowouts or in games where Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate were sidelined. The numbers look solid on paper, but the tight end position still has not been consistently leaned on when it matters most.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the fold, that could change.
Smith has consistently leaned on tight ends throughout his NFL career. Last season in Pittsburgh, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, and Pat Freiermuth combined for 110 catches, 1,072 yards, and seven touchdowns. He has long valued the position both as a coordinator and a head coach.
Ohio State added Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing and Ohio transfer Mason Williams, while Nate Roberts remains in the mix. Welcing and Roberts project as legitimate pass-catching threats, and with Arthur Smith calling plays, there is reason to believe the tight end room could take on a larger role. It is absolutely something to monitor as spring camp unfolds.
Who anchors the linebacker room in 2026?
Ohio State lost its two primary linebackers in Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese to the NFL, and there is no clear successor at either spot. Payton Pierce served as the third linebacker last season and was steady, finishing with 44 total tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble. As of early March, he is the likely starter at Mike, but nothing is guaranteed.
Incoming five-star freshman Cincere Johnson, the No. 25 overall prospect and No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class, will push immediately. He is viewed as the future of the position, and it would not be shocking if he forces his way onto the field sooner rather than later.
At Will, things are even more intriguing. Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro arrives after finishing third on the Badgers in tackles last season. Rising sophomore Riley Pettijohn is also eager to carve out a larger role after appearing in five games as a freshman and flashing playmaking ability in limited action. Tarvos Alford could also factor into the competition.
Alliegro likely has the early edge given his experience at the Big Ten level, but Pettijohn or even Johnson could seize the job as camp progresses. However it shakes out, the linebacker room will be one of the most closely watched position battles of the spring.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State Football's four question marks for Spring football
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