Ohio State Kicks Off Spring Football with Annual Game

Fans can catch the Buckeyes in action ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract college football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the teams' official palettes.Ohio State's spring game offers a first look at the Buckeyes' new-look roster as they prepare for the 2026 season.Columbus Today

Ohio State will hold its annual spring football game on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The Scarlet and Gray will take the field for the first time since the end of the 2025 season, giving fans a preview of the 2026 team as the Buckeyes look to fill key positions on both offense and defense.

Why it matters

The spring game is an important event for Ohio State, as it allows the coaching staff to evaluate new and returning players in a game-like setting ahead of the upcoming season. With several starters departing, this year's spring game will be particularly crucial for determining the Buckeyes' depth chart and identifying emerging talent.

The details

The spring game will feature the Ohio State offense going up against the defense, with the defense earning points for turnovers, stops, and sacks. Head coach Ryan Day has indicated he wants this year's game to have a more competitive, live-tackling format compared to previous years.

  • The spring game will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET.
  • Ohio State is coming off a 2025 season that saw them finish 10-3 and earn a spot in a New Year's Six bowl game.

The players

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, entering his 8th season at the helm in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We want this spring game to be more of a true game than we've had in the past, with live tackling and a more competitive format.”

— Ryan Day, Head Coach

What’s next

Following the spring game, Ohio State will continue its offseason program, with the team's annual media day and Big Ten Media Days events taking place in the summer ahead of the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ohio State's spring game will give fans an early look at the 2026 Buckeyes team as the program works to replace key starters on both sides of the ball. The competitive format should provide valuable evaluation opportunities for the coaching staff as they finalize the depth chart ahead of the fall.