Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Monday in his final availability before Saturday’s Spring Game. He gave insights into the format and who might be on the field for the Buckeyes. 

Ryan Day opened his press conference outlining the format for Ohio State’s Spring Game, which he expects to be in front of a “great crowd” in the Horseshoe.

There are bright spots for the Buckeyes as they complete the final week of spring practice, highlighted by depth at wide receiver and defensive back. Both units will go toe-to-toe on Saturday, making it the most intriguing position group battle of the afternoon.

Injuries at linebacker, running back, and on the offensive line negate the interest in those head-to-head matchups. However, for the players on the field, it will be an excellent experience and an opportunity to make plays as a Buckeye. Ian Moore and Favor Akih have the two biggest opportunities to stand out. While Akih isn’t fighting for a starting role, he could climb up the depth chart or earn game-scenario specific snaps if he continues his flashing performance.

Moore, on the other hand, could take another step towards earning a starting role up front. Ryan Day said Monday that the leadership of the team will determine how this year’s story is written. That is also true of the offensive line, as the trenches will dictate Ohio State’s ceiling.

What We Learned From Ryan Day:

Here are some insights into the Spring Game and other personnel and practice updates from Ryan Day:

Spring Game Format: The game will feature mostly live tackling with only a drive or two of “thud” contact. Day emphasized this is especially valuable for the 51 new players: “For 51 of our new guys… for the freshmen, that’ll be their first time playing in front of a crowd.”

Quarterback Room: Ryan Day expressed confidence in the depth behind starter Julian Sayin, calling the room “solid every day.” On veteran transfer Justyn Martin, he noted: “I’ve been very impressed with his approach, very professional…he’s prepared.” Day was clear about expectations: “The expectation is to step in and play at a championship level.”

On Sayin specifically, Day said he always wants more but acknowledged real progress: “The way he operates the offense, the way he communicates in the huddle, the line of scrimmage is excellent.”

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith: A major theme was the collaborative relationship with the new OC. Day described intentionally stepping back to let Smith shape the offense, saying: “Being reflective in the offseason…there’s a lot of different ways to do things.” The bottom line: “We’re gonna do what the players can do best.”

Ohio State is mulling over its identity and style of play for the upcoming season, searching for what’s “best” for its personnel. Day noted that finding what’s “best” starts with what’s best for Sayin.

Legend Bey + Running Back Health: The highly recruited running back is “getting back” from a hamstring injury and likely won’t play Saturday. Day acknowledged that the transition from high school quarterback takes time, but praised his tools: “His explosiveness, his quickness, he has vision.”

Bo Jackson and Isaiah West continue to be sidelined for the spring, and Turbo Rogers has now been added to the list. Ryan Day said Ohio State will likely be down four running backs for the Spring Game, so they will have to throw the ball more, which is “good for the quarterbacks.”

Jeremiah Smith: Day noted Smith is finding his voice beyond just playing hard: “He’s encouraging him, he’s coaching him…leaders have to be felt, leaders have to be heard.” He gave Smith a “giant check mark from the day he walked in” for practicing hard and setting the standard for discipline.

When asked about a reported $10 million offer for Jeremiah Smith, Day gave his most candid answer: “I’m not sure what crazy is anymore.” He reaffirmed Ohio State’s philosophy of recruiting great high school players, developing them, and retaining them. He also stressed the importance of a player’s inner circle: “Who surrounds them is just as important nowadays,” saying Smith keeps his circle “tight.”

No Spring Portal Window: Day acknowledged the pros and cons of no spring transfer portal, landing on a positive note: “The good news is that you know what your team is.” He noted the roster is essentially set, allowing spring practice to be more productive without ongoing recruitment negotiations.

NEXT: Read Ryan Day and Ohio State Football’s Culture Blueprint