Ohio State's Spring Game Showcases Talent

Freshman phenom Chris Henry Jr. and veteran stars shine in annual exhibition

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:10am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an Ohio State football game, with the players and field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of scarlet and gray color.Ohio State's spring game showcased the team's depth and talent, with a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers primed for a big 2026 season.Columbus Today

The Ohio State Buckeyes concluded their annual spring game today, with new faces like five-star freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and returning stars like quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith showcasing their talent. Despite rainy conditions, the Buckeyes' offense and defense both had standout performances, providing optimism for the upcoming 2026 season.

Why it matters

Ohio State is a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten, and their annual spring game offers a preview of the team's potential for the upcoming season. With the Buckeyes falling short of the College Football Playoff in 2025, the spring game performance provides insight into how they might bounce back and compete for a championship in 2026.

The details

The Gray team defeated the Scarlet team 35-26 in the exhibition. Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman finalist in 2025, showcased his improved running ability with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the top-ranked player at his position in the 2026 class, had an impressive debut with 4 catches for 96 yards and a 40-yard touchdown. On defense, lineman Beau Atkinson had a sack and an interception, while cornerback Devin Sanchez had a key pass breakup against Jeremiah Smith, a Biletnikoff finalist last season.

  • The Ohio State Buckeyes held their annual spring game on April 19, 2026.

The players

Julian Sayin

Ohio State's starting quarterback, a Heisman finalist in 2025 who is poised for a big 2026 season.

Chris Henry Jr.

A five-star freshman wide receiver and the top-ranked player at his position in the 2026 recruiting class.

Jeremiah Smith

A veteran wide receiver for Ohio State who was a Biletnikoff finalist in 2025.

Beau Atkinson

A defensive lineman for Ohio State who had a sack and an interception in the spring game.

Devin Sanchez

A cornerback for Ohio State who had a key pass breakup against Jeremiah Smith in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“The freshman class is really stepping up and the veteran leaders are setting the tone. We're excited about the potential of this team heading into the fall.”

— Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach

What’s next

Ohio State will open their 2026 season on September 5 against Ball State in Columbus.

The takeaway

Ohio State's spring game showcased the team's depth and talent, with a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. If the Buckeyes can build on this performance, they could be poised for a bounce-back season and a run at the Big Ten title and College Football Playoff.