Spring game gives an early look at 2026 Buckeyes

As of this writing on 4/18/26, the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians are both in first place in their respective leagues. But also on this day, which will be that day when you read this, The Ohio State Buckeyes beat The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Football in April!

The annual OSU Spring Game in front of 40,000+ fans, dampened by rain late in the second quarter and beyond, gave Buckeyes addicts a much-needed hit between seasons. Their last game was on New Year’s Eve, resulting in an extended hangover.

Their next game isn’t until September 5th. This game, or scrimmage, or fan showcase…whatever you want to call it, both revealed and kept hidden things about the upcoming season.

First, Julian Sayin actually ran the ball several times. Granted, he wasn’t allowed to be hit in this game. BUT Julian Sayin ran the ball. That was a nice addition to the offense that will hopefully continue. In his postgame presser, Head Coach Ryan Day noted this has been a point of emphasis in early practices.

Second, Chris Henry, Jr., looks like the mega prospect he was billed to be. He ran crisp routes, was routinely open, and looked like a polished veteran. He’ll be a household name by November.

Third, Henry’s passes were delivered by sophomore backup quarterback Tavien St. Clair, who looked solid in the pocket and threw darts in the air. He missed a few targets, but so did Sayin. It’s baseball season, the time when football teams sharpen their

swords. St. Clair is the likely starter at QB next season, so the team appears to be in good hands in case of injury this year and into 2027.

Jakobi Jackson, the transfer running back from Florida, was shifty and showed a willingness to fight for yardage. Most of the other running backs were held from the game while nursing injuries. With Jakobi, Bo, Stanley, Kenyatta, and Julian, Ohio State literally has the Jackson 5.

Julian is actually Julian Goines-Jackson, but I couldn’t resist the corny reference.

Forgive me. It’s been a long offseason. Oh, and hopefully we’re not singing “I Want You Back” to Caleb Downs, Carnelle Tate, Arvelle Reese, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald….even though we know we will even if this team rocks.

I arrived at Ohio Stadium about an hour before the press gate opened, so I wandered into Buckeye Grove, a collection of buckeye trees planted in honor of all of Ohio State’s All-Americans. I spent a few minutes at one particular tree because I found the name I was looking for: Ken Fritz, Ironton’s sole representative. All-American in 1979.

And then I watched Ohio State play football in April.

I had three questions in mind going into the game:

1. Will Julian run? And he did!

2. Will the offensive line show progress? Many of them were out, so….

3. Will the defense rebuild? They “won” the game, but….

The Spring Game is an appetizer served to hungry people to tide them over until the steaks hit the table. Nobody really remembers the appetizers once the main course arrives. But everyone loves them when they’re hungry and waiting.

O – H!

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Billy Bruce covers Ohio State Buckeyes football for Tristatesportspage.com