Here are four things to know ahead of Ohio State football’s annual Spring Game, giving fans a first look at the 2026 Buckeyes.

The Ohio State Buckeyes play their annual Spring Game on Saturday to close out this portion of the football calendar. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm. This will be the first public viewing of the 2026 Buckeyes, which welcome 51 new faces to the roster. Ryan Day enters his eighth season as Ohio State’s head coach.

Day hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator this offseason to enhance the Buckeyes’ attack. Smith brings a wealth of NFL experience as a head coach and coordinator to further Ohio State’s NFL Factory development. Expect to see more play action pass from the Buckeyes this fall, and potentially Saturday as well.

Cortez Hankton joined the offensive staff as the wide receivers coach after Brian Hartline left to become the head coach at USF. He previously coached at LSU and Georgia, and impressed during his spring availability with the Buckeyes media. Hankton possesses the deepest room on the team with Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, Kyle Parker, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr., and Brock Boyd headlining.

Defensively, the Buckeyes lost a host of talent to the NFL Draft as Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Kaydon McDonald, and Davison Igbinuson called it a career in Columbus. However, Ohio State maintains continuity on its defensive coaching staff in 2026, as Matt Patricia chose to return and sign a contract extension.

Nevertheless, Ohio State will be short-handed in the Spring Game as offensive linemen, running backs, and linebackers are all banged up. Austin Siereveld and Philip Daniels remain ruled out, as do four of Carlos Locklyn’s guys. Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Anthony “Turbo Rogers,” and likely Legend Bey will miss Saturday’s action.

Here are four things to know about Ohio State football’s Spring Game:

1. Scarlet vs. Gray

Saturday’s matchup will follow the traditional Scarlet vs. Gray format, with the offense wearing the home jerseys, occupying the home sideline. The defense will be wearing the away uniforms and using the visitor’s sideline.

2. Scoring

Offense: Ohio State’s offense will use traditional scoring: touchdowns, field goals, and extra points.

Defense: The defense will be awarded six points for a touchdown (plus the extra point), three points for a takeaway or a three-and-out, two points for a sack, and one point for a stop that forces a punt.

3. Clock Management/Timing

First half: The first quarter will be 15 minutes with normal stappages and clock movement. The second quarter will follow the same rules in a shortened 12-minute period. Halftime is also set for 12 minutes.

Second Half: Saturday’s second half clock will be managed by Ryan Day, who will use his discretion to work through the final 12 and 10-minute periods.

4. Weather Impacts

Fans should plan and prepare for rain during the game. Any lightning-related delays will be monitored by university staff and will result in 30-minute increments, per NBC4.

Saturday’s Spring Game will likely feature a pass-heavy attack from the offense due to personnel, setting up the most intriguing position group battle of the afternoon. Cortez Hankton’s wide receivers will be tested by the defensive backs, who had a strong day on Friday during Ohio State’s penultimate practice of the spring.

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