Ohio State Football Roster Breakdown by Class and Position

Analyzing the Buckeyes' scholarship allotments and roster changes ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down an Ohio State football game or practice into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the team's official colors of scarlet and gray, conceptually representing the program's roster changes and depth.Ohio State's roster overhaul ahead of the 2026 season is reflected in a cubist, geometric illustration capturing the team's dynamic energy and depth.Columbus Today

Ohio State's football roster is undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2026 season, with the team taking advantage of new NCAA rules that have increased the scholarship limit from 85 to 105 players. The Buckeyes currently have 112 players on their spring roster, with three more expected to join this summer, bringing the total to 115. Head coach Ryan Day has noted that 51 players are participating in spring football, the largest squad size in at least 30 years. This report breaks down Ohio State's roster by class and position, providing insight into the team's depth and the impact of transfers and high school signees.

Why it matters

The changes to NCAA roster rules and the Buckeyes' large spring roster size provide an opportunity to analyze Ohio State's depth and talent across different position groups and class years. This information can help fans and analysts understand the team's strengths, weaknesses, and potential for the upcoming season, as well as the long-term trajectory of the program.

The details

Under the new NCAA settlement, football programs can now have up to 105 scholarship players, up from the previous limit of 85. Ohio State's current on-campus roster sits at 112 players, with three more expected to join this summer, bringing the total to 115. Head coach Ryan Day has noted that 51 players are participating in spring football, the largest squad size for an OSU team in at least the last 30 years. Of the 112 players on the spring roster, 89 would be considered 'recruitable scholarship players' under the old rules, with the remaining 26 as 'preferred walk-ons' who may have full or partial scholarships.

  • Ohio State's spring roster currently sits at 112 players.
  • Three more players are expected to join the team this summer, bringing the total to 115.
  • The 51 players participating in spring football represent the largest squad size for an OSU team in at least the last 30 years.

The players

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State football team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Between transfers and 2026 high school signees there are 51 players participating in spring football for the Buckeyes.”

— Ryan Day, Head Coach

The takeaway

The significant changes to NCAA roster rules and Ohio State's large spring roster size provide an opportunity to closely analyze the Buckeyes' depth and talent across different position groups and class years. This information can help fans and analysts understand the team's strengths, weaknesses, and potential for the upcoming season, as well as the long-term trajectory of the program.