Ohio State Spring Game Sees Defense Dominate Offense in Rainy Scrimmage

Scarlet offense scores early, but Gray defense takes control in 35-26 win at Ohio Stadium

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an Ohio State football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a range of earthy greens, browns, and grays, capturing the intensity and chaos of the spring game.Ohio State's spring game showcased a defense that dominated the offense, with the Gray unit taking a 35-26 victory in the rain-soaked intrasquad scrimmage.Columbus Today

Ohio State football wrapped up spring practice on Saturday with the annual spring game, an offense vs. defense intrasquad scrimmage. The Gray defense took a 35-26 victory over the Scarlet offense on a rainy day at Ohio Stadium, with the defense scoring points through touchdowns, takeaways, sacks, and forcing punts and three-and-outs. Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, played limited snaps, while backup Tavien St. Clair had a strong showing through the air.

Why it matters

The spring game provides an early look at Ohio State's team heading into the upcoming season, with the defense's dominance over the offense raising some questions about the Buckeyes' offensive firepower despite the return of several key starters. The performance of young players like St. Clair and Favour Akih also offers insights into the team's depth and future potential.

The details

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is back for his eighth season, with 11 starters returning from last year's 12-2 team. Sayin, the Heisman finalist, played just three series in the first half, going 8-of-14 for 81 yards with an interception. Backup QB St. Clair stood out, completing 9-of-20 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Beau Atkinson had an interception and a sack, while Kenyatta Jackson and Alabama transfer John Walker also recorded sacks.

  • The spring game took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

The players

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State football team, entering his eighth season.

Julian Sayin

Ohio State's starting quarterback, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year.

Tavien St. Clair

Ohio State's backup quarterback, a redshirt freshman who had a strong showing in the spring game.

Beau Atkinson

Ohio State defensive end who had an interception and a sack in the spring game.

Kenyatta Jackson

Ohio State defensive end who recorded two sacks in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to improve on both sides of the ball, but I'm encouraged by the effort and competitiveness I saw today from our team.”

— Ryan Day, Head Coach

What’s next

Ohio State will continue its offseason program and preparations for the upcoming 2026 season, with the team's first game scheduled for September 5th against Indiana.

The takeaway

Ohio State's spring game showcased a defense that appears to be ahead of the offense at this stage, raising questions about the Buckeyes' offensive firepower despite the return of several key starters. However, the performance of young players like backup quarterback Tavien St. Clair offers hope for the team's depth and future potential.