The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to take the field this Saturday for the first time since the Rose Bowl in the annual Spring Game.

A lot has changed since January 1st for this program. A brand new freshman class is now on campus, Ryan Day has changed the majority of the coaching staff, and Ohio State has a new turf design.

The Spring Game has always been a big deal for Buckeye nation. The game is the one chance to see new faces before the games mean something in the fall.

Of course there will be familiar faces on this high caliber Ohio State offense. Quarterback CJ Stroud, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba are all proven studs. They will be one of the best trios in college football this season.

However, there are some questions about other positions and players that might be answered during this game. These will be the biggest storylines to focus on.

Can someone establish themselves as the starting tight end?

The state of the tight end room is the biggest question on Ohio State’s offense. Currently there is not a clear cut No.1 option at the position.

The Buckeyes had the luxury of Jeremy Ruckert’s services for the last four years. Now that Ruckert is headed to the NFL someone on the roster will have to become the alpha in the room.

Currently the Buckeyes have a lot of talented tight ends on the roster. Cade Stover, Joe Royer, Mitch Rossi, Bennett Christian and Gee Scott Jr. are all expected to contribute in some shape or form to the position this season. Still questions remain about all five players.

The spring game will give fans the opportunity to see which player has elevated their game this offseason.

This position is truly up for grabs and a big performance in the game could propel one of these players into the starting job.

Which wide receivers will step up?

Replacing Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson might be impossible for most programs, but Ohio State has the pieces to reload at wide receiver. The Rose Bowl proved vital in Stroud developing chemistry with the young wide receivers.

Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, and Marvin Harrison Jr. all contributed with big plays in the Rose Bowl victory.

What a catch by Emeka Egbuka 😲 pic.twitter.com/QsxLZ9BTp7

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 1, 2022

There is little doubt that Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be one of the top wide receivers in America next year after a 1,606 yard season. However, the development of Egbuka, Fleming, and Harrison Jr. can make this offense unstoppable.

So far it seems that Stroud has immense chemistry with Harrison Jr. therefore he seems to be a lock to take the next step. Still it would be nice to see another big performance to put any doubt to rest.

Meanwhile, Egbuka and Fleming present different skillsets, but both will be valuable for this offense. It would be ideal for them to show a grasp of the offense during the games to demonstrate they are ready to take the next step.

Finally, players such as Jayden Ballard, Kyion Grayes, Caleb Burton will get a chance to show their skillsets Saturday. Expect at least one of them to find a way to contribute in 2022.

Spring Game Battle: Kyle McCord vs. Devin Brown for the backup job

One can argue this battle Saturday might be the most important battle of the day.

McCord enters as the expected backup to Stroud. Last season McCord started a game against Akron and led the Buckeyes to a 59-7 victory where he threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns.

The sophomore has showed flashes during his freshman year, but Stroud was ultimately better option last year.

Enter Devin Brown- the No. 1 overall recruit of the 2022 class according to On3 Sports. So far this spring Brown has impressed many coaches inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Still, Ohio State fans haven’t seen Brown play live. Saturday that will change.

With Stroud expected to leave for the NFL after this season the backup battle between McCord and Brown could prove pivotal in who earns the starting job next season.

Expect both McCord and Brown to go all out in the game in an attempt to win the backup job.