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Ohio State spring football takeaways: Julian Sayin grows, Tavien St. Clair shines
The defense won 35-26, a flip from the offense's dominance a year ago, and 51 new players saw their first playing time in front of fans.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:20pm
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An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of an Ohio State football game.Bellefontaine TodayIn a rainy Ohio Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes debuted a new-look team to the 40,240 fans in attendance. Though receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin are back as returning stars, 51 new players saw their first playing time in front of fans. The defense won 35-26, a flip from the offense's dominance a year ago. Sayin ran for one touchdown and threw one interception on a tipped pass, while backup Tavien St. Clair had a promising performance, throwing for one touchdown.
Why it matters
Ohio State is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and the spring game provided an early glimpse of the team's new talent and potential. The performance of Sayin and St. Clair at quarterback, as well as the strong showing by the defense, will be key storylines to watch as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.
The details
Sayin completed 8 of 15 passes for 82 yards, one interception and 10 yards on two rushing attempts. He showed progress with his legs, including a 6-yard fourth-down touchdown run. Backup quarterback Tavien St. Clair had a strong performance, completing 9 of 21 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. Freshman receiver Chris Henry stood out, catching four passes for 96 yards. The offensive line struggled, with several starters out, but second-year lineman Carter Lowe and Ian Moore showed promise.
- The spring game took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in front of 40,240 fans at Ohio Stadium.
The players
Julian Sayin
The returning starting quarterback for Ohio State, who showed growth in his running ability during the spring game.
Tavien St. Clair
The second-year quarterback who had a promising performance, completing 9 of 21 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown.
Chris Henry
The five-star freshman receiver who caught four passes for 96 yards, showcasing his talent and potential.
Kenyatta Jackson
Ohio State's best pass rusher, who had a strong performance against the offensive line.
Cameron Sanchez
The cornerback who has elevated his game and is poised to be a key part of Ohio State's secondary next season.
What they’re saying
“I'm 100 percent scoring. You know, as a quarterback, there's going to be moments where you have to drop your shoulders and go get the first down or go get a touchdown for the team.”
— Julian Sayin, Quarterback
“It's been an emphasis point, and you can see that he's aware of that. He was moving well this spring, but certainly it's a lot different when you're live, and so that's going to be the challenge to continue to work on, pocket presence and then making plays with his legs.”
— Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
“I think you can see the talent for sure. He threw some really nice balls down the field and then, you know, missed as well. And some of the drives got stymied, but that's part of it. He has to learn from those things and continue to grow.”
— Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Ohio State's spring game provided an early glimpse of the team's new talent and potential, with the performance of quarterback Julian Sayin and backup Tavien St. Clair, as well as the strong showing by the defense, being key storylines to watch as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.
